How to check if the NBN is available for your address

Whether you’ve recently moved home or you’re contemplating updating your home internet, you’re probably wondering whether the NBN is available at your address.

There are several types of NBN connections that may allow your home to connect to the network, including:

1. Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)
2. Fibre to the Node (FTTN)
3. Fibre to the Building (FTTB)
4. Fibre to the Curb (FTTC)
5. Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC)
6. Fixed Wireless

If your current internet connection is spotty or not providing the necessary speed needed, switching to the NBN may be worth considering. Or, if you’re moving homes, you may be investigating whether the new property provides an NBN service or not.

But before you can reach out to your preferred telco to sign up, you’ll need to check whether the NBN is available at that address.

How to check if the NBN is available for you

Australia’s national broadband network, also known as the NBN, uses broadband technologies to deliver dependable and high-capacity internet to the homes of Aussies. As of September 2021, 12 million Australian homes and businesses are able to connect to the NBN network.

The easiest way to check if the NBN is available for your address is to put your address directly into the NBN checker.

You can also use the NBN rollout map for a visual breakdown of which areas have the service available, have building infrastructure commencing for the NBN or if another fibre provider is present.

If you’re based in a regional area where it is not feasible to lay physical fibre to connect to the network, you may want to consider fixed wireless technology. In this instance, an antenna is installed on to the roof to receive signal from your nearest NBN wireless tower.

Keep in mind that if your home is in an indicated area that should be able to connect to the NBN, but you’re still unable to, then additional work may still need to be completed first. Further, some premises in Australia cannot connect to the NBN network, so it’s worth speaking to your chosen provider if you’re having difficulty.

I’ve checked my address for the NBN, now what?

If the address you’ve entered is NBN network approved, then your next option will be to choose an NBN plan.

It’s important to remember that you won’t necessarily be able to choose a specific NBN connection type (listed above). The option available to your home is determined by the NBN Co technology connected to the property. However, through the NBN Technology Choice Program, you may potentially change the infrastructure to FTTP for a fee.

What you do have a choice around is the NBN plan and potential network speed. There are a range of providers in Australia with competitive plans to suit your internet needs, including Telstra and Optus. Compare costs, network speeds and potential fees against your budget using RateCity's comparison table.

Once you’ve chosen your ideal NBN provider and plan, you’ll move into the final stage of connection. This is typically organised by your provider and may involve technical appointments for installation. If your home requires a technical appointment, you may need to have someone over 18 present during the installation of the NBN equipment.

When this is completed and your network is ready to go, you’ll need to set up your modem. This is typically set up yourself, with helpful guides and tutorials available on many providers’ websites. However, you may be able to book a professional installation appointment with a technician if this suits you better.

Compare NBN plans