Everything you need to know about FTTP installation process

So, you’ve read all the blogs, done all the Googling, and now you’re invested in FTTP – a keen bean, some might say. But maybe the whole “installation brick and mortar” thing still feels like a bit of a head-scratcher. Fear not! All those niggling questions spinning around in the ol’ noggin will be answered with a quick read below. 

What is FTTP 

Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) means fibre‑optic cables run directly to your home, ditching any reliance on copper wiring or local nodes. It’s a full fibre connection that delivers uber-speedy, reliable internet performance. Think of it as giving your home a fibre boost.  

How to find a suitable location for the nbn connection box 

A technician will install two boxes: an external nbn utility box on your external wall (typically near your existing telco box, at least 400 mm above ground), and an internal nbn connection box inside your home (about 235 mm × 195 mm × 70 mm). The internal box needs to be: 

1. Within 3 m of a power outlet 

2. Within ~12 m of the outside utility box 

3. In the same part of the building, not in a detached shed, for instance  

How to get a free* nbn fibre upgrade  

nbn Co is rolling out a free* FTTP upgrade to millions of homes that currently have copper-based connections (FTTN or FTTC) and we participate in this program. *Free for standard fibre upgrades only. See T&Cs for more information.  

Simply: 

• Check your address eligibility with nbn Co or your provider. 

• Sign up for an FTTP-compatible plan like ours (e.g. the “One Plan”). 

• From there, we will arrange the installation with nbn Co for you. 

Check address eligibility 

Head to nbn Co’s eligibility checker or our website to confirm whether your address qualifies for the free FTTP upgrade and is serviceable by us. 

Sign up for Exetel One Plan 

Our streamlined “One Plan” offers 500/50 Mbps (Typical Evening Speed 500/40) with unlimited data for AU$80/month, no lock-in contract, and flexible speed controls like “Hibernate” or “Warp Speed” via the Exetel App. 

Install Exetel App 

Download the Exetel App from the App Store or Play Store. You’ll use it to manage your plan, temporarily accelerate speeds, or put your service into hibernation to save money (for example, setting it to nbn 12 while you’re away). 

Get updates about the nbn appointment date on the App 

Once you've signed up, monitor the app or your email. We will let you know when the nbn technician will perform the upgrade. 

How to prepare for the installation 

Pre-installation 

• Clear access to the likely spots for both the external and internal boxes. 

• Ensure there's a working power point near your desired connection box inside. 

• Have your modem/router at hand and ready to connect after installation. 

Note: If you're renting, both nbn and Exetel will need written permission from your landlord or property manager before we can go ahead with the installation. 

On installation day 

• An nbn technician will take a look around the outside of your property to see if any extra setup is needed. If there are any additional costs, you’ll be told upfront and can decide if you want to go ahead, which you will be responsible for paying in order to proceed. 

• In most cases, the installation’s done in one visit, but sometimes a bit of extra work is needed, which means a second visit. Your technician will let you know if that’s the case. 

• The technician will discuss and confirm placement for the connection box and cables. 

• They’ll run fibre from the street to your external utility box, then inside to the connection box. 

• Expect discussions and a signature for your consent before they get cracking. 

• Once the internal fibre is connected, your modem will plug into the connection box’s UNI‑D port. 

Post-installation 

• Plug your modem into the connection box (using a standard Ethernet cable, unless your current one’s old or damaged). 

• Power everything up and wait for the nbn to activate your service. 

• Run a speed test and optimise your setup per the nbn Co guidance.  

• For modem support have a read here. 

FAQ

What equipment will be installed on the installation day? 

An external nbn utility box and an internal nbn connection box (network termination device), plus any necessary fibre cabling and power setup. 

Do I need to change my modem for FTTP upgrade? 

If your current modem is a WiFi 6 router (at minimum) and isn’t faulty, you can usually keep it. Otherwise, you may need to swap to a compatible unit. 

Do I need to upgrade ethernet cables for an FTTP upgrade? 

Generally, a standard Cat 5e (supports up to 1Gbps speed) or Cat 6 (supports up to 10Gbps speed) Ethernet cable will work fine. You may only need a new one if your current cable is very old (cat 5 or older or damaged). 

Can I choose the timing for the nbn installation? 

Yes. We’ll notify you once the appointment has been confirmed by the nbn tech. If you need to reschedule your appointment, you can do so via the Exetel app.  

Can I start using the service after installing nbn utility box? 

Not immediately. The fibre must be connected inside and activated. You’ll need power, a modem and cabling properly hooked into the connection box, then nbn will activate.