NBN Service Classes and Eligibility for Exetel The One Plan

Understanding the NBN service class at your address can make a big difference when deciding on an internet plan. Each service class informs you about the NBN equipment you already have, what needs to be installed, and ultimately, whether you’re ready to connect.  

For Exetel customers looking at The One Plan, these service classes are particularly important because they determine your eligibility to join straight away. 

If you’ve checked your address in the past and weren’t eligible for Exetel The One Plan, things have changed. With recent service class expansions and the nationwide fibre upgrade program, far more homes and businesses can now connect to The One Plan than ever before. 

What is NBN Service Class? 

An NBN service class is a way for NBN Co to define the status of an individual property’s readiness for connection. Service classes identify two key things: 

• The NBN technology type available at your property (FTTP, FTTN, FTTC, HFC, or Fixed Wireless). 

• What equipment or installation work is required before you can activate an NBN plan. 

Think of service classes as a step-by-step indicator. Lower service class numbers indicate that more installation is required, while higher numbers indicate that the property is ready to connect. 

NBN Technology Types and Service Classes Explained 

To understand how your property connects with Exetel, let’s break down the major NBN technology types and their associated service classes. 

Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) 

FTTP delivers fibre directly to your property, providing the fastest and most reliable NBN experience. 

• Service Class 1: NBN not yet installed — fibre is planned, but no NBN equipment is in your home. 

• Service Class 2: Partial installation — fibre runs to your premises, but the NBN connection box is missing. 

• Service Class 3: Ready for service — all equipment and cabling installed; can be activated immediately. 

Fibre to the Node (FTTN) 

FTTN uses fibre to a local node in your street and copper cabling for the final stretch.  

While widespread, many FTTN homes are now eligible for upgrades to FTTP under the Flip to Fibre program. 

• Service Class 10–12: Indicate varying levels of readiness, but upgrades to FTTP are becoming available to millions of FTTN customers. 

Fibre to the Curb (FTTC)

FTTC extends fibre closer to your property than FTTN, finishing the last stretch with copper. Like FTTN, large portions of FTTC households are also included in the fibre upgrade rollout.  

• Service Class 30–32: Determine whether your property has the necessary NBN equipment or if installation is required. 

Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC)

HFC uses a mix of fibre and coaxial cable (traditionally used for cable TV). 

• Service Class 21: NBN wall outlet present, but connection device not yet installed. 

• Service Class 22: Distribution equipment in place, requires a connection device. 

• Service Class 23: HFC connection fully installed — ready to connect. 

• Service Class 24: Previously, only serviceable addresses were fully supported. 

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless uses a transmission tower to connect rural and regional homes. This technology is not supported by the Exetel The One plan. 

How Does My Service Class Impact My Internet Experience?

Your service class determines three key aspects of your NBN experience: 

• How fast you can get connected: Higher service classes (e.g. FTTP SC3, HFC SC23/24) mean you can connect almost immediately. Lower service classes may require an installation appointment with Nbn Co. 

• Which technology type do you get: FTTP generally delivers the best speeds and reliability, while FTTN and FTTC may see varied performance. 

• Eligibility for upgrades: Millions of homes on FTTN and FTTC can now request upgrades to a fibre-powered FTTP connection. For Exetel customers, this means broadening access to The One Plan with faster speeds over time. 

• HFC and the upgrade program: NBN Co are performing maintenance and upgrade activities on the NBN Co Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) network to deliver a more reliable internet experience for today, tomorrow and into the future. 

How Can I Check My NBN Service Class?

Finding your service class is easy with Exetel’s address checker  when signing up for a plan. It does the work by connecting to NBN Co’s database and returning: 

• The NBN technology type at your premises. 

• Your service class (and whether installation is required). 

• Whether you’re eligible for a fibre upgrade. 

If you were previously unable to connect with Exetel, it’s worth checking again. With expanded eligibility and fibre upgrades, you may now be able to join The One Plan. 

Which NBN Service Classes are Eligible for Exetel The One Plan?

Exetel has expanded eligibility for  The One Plan, meaning more Australians can connect than ever before: 

• FTTP: Service Classes 1, 2, and 3. 

• HFC: Service Classes 21, 22, 23, and 24. 

Previously, only SC3 (for FTTP) and SC24 (for HFC) were eligible. This meant some households that wanted to connect couldn’t sign up. Now, with our expanded service coverage: 

• More FTTP homes in SC1 and SC2 can complete installation and join The One Plan. 

• HFC homes that were in SC21, 22, or 23 can now activate directly with Exetel. 

The Role of Fibre Upgrades

One of the most exciting developments in the NBN is the fibre upgrade program. Around 4 million Australian addresses currently connected via FTTN or FTTC are eligible for a free nbn fibre upgrade*, provided they order a higher-speed plan.

*Free for standard fibre upgrades only. See T&Cs for more information.  

What this means for Exetel customers: 

• If you were on FTTN or FTTC and not eligible for The One Plan before, you may be eligible once your address is upgraded to FTTP. 

• Exetel works with NBN Co to streamline these upgrades, helping customers move to more reliable, fibre-powered internet. 

• This opens the door to faster speeds and greater coverage than ever before.  

What This Means for You

If you’ve previously checked your address with Exetel and weren’t eligible for The One Plan, it’s time to look again. With expanded eligibility across FTTP and HFC service classes and the large-scale rollout of NBN Co’s fibre upgrade program, millions of Australians now have improved access. 

Why Choose Exetel The One Plan? 

• Simple and powerful: One plan designed for all your internet needs. 

• Future-proof: Eligible for fibre upgrades as they’re rolled out. 

• Nationwide expansion: More service classes supported than ever before. 

• Strong value: A high-quality internet experience without unnecessary complexity. 

With Exetel The One Plan, you’re not just getting a fast internet plan — you’re getting a smart, future-ready connection that grows with your needs.