Should I upgrade to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)?

Real talk for a second: the internet’s not just something we use anymore, it’s something we rely on. From bingeing shows to working from home, to the all-important group chat memes, slow, dodgy internet just doesn’t cut it anymore. 

So, if you’ve been wondering, "Should I upgrade to nbn fibre?" or "Is it really worth it?" — we’ve got you. Let’s break it down. 

What is the nbn fibre upgrade? 

What even is this "nbn fibre upgrade" everyone’s talking about? 

The upgrade refers to switching from older nbn tech like FTTN (Fibre to the Node) or FTTC (Fibre to the Curb) to FTTP (Fibre to the Premises), the gold standard of internet delivery in Australia. With FTTP, the fibre-optic connection runs straight to your home, instead of stopping at a nearby node and relying on old copper cables for the rest. 

Translation: less copper, more speed and better reliability. 

Even better? If you're eligible, you could score this FTTP upgrade for free*. *Free for standard fibre upgrades only. See T&Cs for more information. 

How to get a free* standard nbn fibre upgrade 

If all that sounds pretty awesome and you’re keen to get the ball rolling here’s how you find out if you can get the coveted upgrade.  

Step 1: Check your address 

Head over to our FTTP eligibility checker and pop in your address. If you're on FTTN or FTTC and in a fibre-ready area, congrats, you might be in luck. 

Step 2: Sign up for Exetel’s One Plan 

To go full fibre, you’ll need to be on an eligible high-speed nbn internet plan (like The One Plan). 

Step 3: We’ll book your install 

Once you sign up for the Exetel One plan, we’ll schedule an nbn appointment for a technician to install your fibre connection. You can view and reschedule your appointment anytime within the Exetel App. After that, the nbn team will take care of the fibre installation.

The nbn technician will assess the exterior of your premises to determine if extra infrastructure is required. Should there be any additional infrastructure costs, you will be advised and will be responsible for paying in order to proceed. 

Why you (actually) need fast internet at home 

Still think your old setup is “fine”? Let’s talk numbers. 

Back in 2013, the average Aussie home had seven connected devices and used about 40GB of data a month. Fast forward to today, and we’re pushing 22+ devices per household and chewing through over 400GB monthly¹.  

Now jump ahead a few years, experts reckon we’ll soon hit 1,100GB of data across 40 connected devices in the average home. Fridges, doorbells, air cons, pet feeders, it’s all online now and it's a lot.  

More devices = more pressure on your connection. You need something that can keep up. You need fibre. 
More on that over here. 

The benefits of an FTTP (fibre to the premises) upgrade 

So, what’s in it for you, besides bragging rights? Plenty. 

Faster, more reliable internet 

With speeds up to 1000 Mbps (TES 811 Mbps) (yep, that fast), FTTP means smoother streaming, snappier downloads, and glitch-free Zoom calls. 

Consistent performance 

FTTP delivers a stable connection and when paired with the Exetel One plan, you can run  40+ devices at the same time. 

Better online experiences 

Gaming with minimal lag, 4K streaming with minimal buffering, and smooth smart home controls, it’s all possible on fibre. 

Future-proofing 

As our data needs grow, FTTP is built to handle it. It’s the internet connection that won’t need replacing in a few years. 

Increased property appeal 

Got FTTP? That’s a selling point. As demand for high-speed internet grows, homes with fibre already installed have the edge. 

So, is it worth upgrading to nbn fibre? 

Absolutely. Even if the monthly plan is a little higher than what you’re paying now, the increase in speed, reliability, and future-readiness makes FTTP a no-brainer, especially when the upgrade is free*. *Free for standard fibre upgrades only. See T&Cs for more information. 

You’re not just paying for internet. You’re investing in your home’s connectivity, your family’s productivity, and your sanity when the next streaming service drops their latest must-watch series. 

Ready to upgrade? 

Check your address and see if you're eligible for a free nbn fibre upgrade with Exetel or read more about the upgrade here:  

To qualify for a standard FREE* nbn Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) connection upgrade, eligible Fibre to the Node (FTTN) or Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) addresses must order The One plan (500/50 Mbps) (TES: 500/40 Mbps).
*Free standard fibre upgrade only. See T&Cs for more information. 

Reference: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Internet activity report – For the period ending 30 June 2024. Available at: https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/internet-activity-report-june2024.pdf²