Preparing to connect or modify the nbn® network

Granny flats

In most cases, granny flats that share the same address as the primary residence on a block of land cannot apply for a new nbn broadband access network connection – each connection must be linked to a unique address.

To connect granny flats to the nbn access network, you may need to extend your existing connection from the primary residence – by either extending the signal of your local Wi-Fi network, or by installing an additional service through a registered cabler.

Things to consider

Applying for a new address

If you’re in the process of applying for a new address (i.e. sub-dividing one address into two or more lots), and would like to connect it to the nbn access network, then you should apply as a new development.

Additional services

Your provider may be able to assist you with an additional service. Be sure to discuss your plans with your provider before commencing any work as additional services may incur extra charges or require specific requirements.

Cabling

All customer cabling must be performed by a registered cabler using the nbn standards and guidelines.

Optimise your experience

Register your unrecognised address with a provider

If your address doesn’t appear when you check your address, or if you would like to request an additional connection on a property with more than one residence on it, you’ll need to contact a phone and internet provider. The provider will contact nbn to assist in making these changes.

As part of the process, your provider may request information such as the coordinates of the property you wish to connect, and proof that the property is occupied.

New or under construction

A home built with nbn connectivity is designed to help you do more of what you enjoy online. With a choice of providers offering a range of wholesale speed tiers, the nbn network is made for more.

If you are building a new home or buying off-the-plan, here are some things you will need to consider to help ensure your new home is built with the nbn network.

Renters and landlords

Connecting to the nbn network may require nbn-supplied equipment to be installed within your premises by a certified technician. Therefore, you will need to inform your landlord prior to installation and receive approval before any work is commenced. If you’re not in direct contact with your landlord, you will need to contact your property manager or real estate agent.

If you’re interested in learning more about tenant rights we suggest contacting your local tenant service or union, as laws may differ between states and regions.
 

To prepare for the switch to the nbn broadband access network, please consider the following information:

• Your landlord can decide where the nbn equipment will be installed in your property, and may be present during the installation process.
• A landlord can also request the installation of nbn equipment as long as they pay for the service and agree to all terms
   

Please consider the following to help ensure a smooth installation process:

• Installation may include drilling, ducting and trenching to accommodate cables or the installation of a satellite dish or fixed wireless antenna on the property in the walls, ceiling or on the floor
• Notifying other residents of the works helps to ensure the installer is able to access the building safely
• A registered cabler must be arranged to undertake any required internal wiring
• All pets should be kept away from the area as they may possibly interfere with installation
   

Upon the arrival of your nbn approved technician, please inform them of any of the following environmental issues:

• Advise your nbn approved technician of any electrical faults you are aware of. They may need to turn off your electrical power for a short time (the technician will discuss this with you beforehand to ensure they don’t impact critical electrical equipment such as medical devices)
• Identify any known or suspected material on the property that many contain asbestos
• Inform the nbn approved technician of any structural issues or renovations that may have been completed
• Inform your technician about recent pest treatments on the property
• Identify any endangered or protected plants and wildlife

For more information about the connection requirements of your premises, please speak to your phone and internet provider.

Device compatibility

The rollout of the nbn access network involves new technologies which some existing devices may not be compatible with such as Medical alarms, autodiallers or emergency call buttons. Make sure you consider the following devices when moving to the nbn network:

Installation and equipment

As the installation process differs by technology and location, we recommend visiting our Check Your Address page to see if the nbn network is available in your area. Here you will learn what type of nbn technology is being used to connect your premises to the network.

Concerns relating to the quality of your installation

If you have concerns relating to the installation quality of your nbn supplied equipment, visit our Help and Support section for more information.

Removal and relocation of nbn supplied equipment

If you’re renovating, re-arranging rooms or need to remove or relocate your nbn supplied equipment (such as an nbn connection box, associated cables and other equipment), please note there are costs and considerations associated with any relocation or removal of nbn supplied equipment.

Demolition

If you have a planned building knockdown or demolition and require the removal of nbn supplied equipment (such as an nbn connection box, associated cables and other equipment), please visit our Modifying nbn infrastructure page and complete the application form.

A member of the Relocation Works team will be in contact to provide you with assistance and any associated costs to complete the work.

Renovation or Relocation

Internal nbn supplied equipment

If you need existing nbn supplied equipment or cabling within your home or business modified or relocated (such as an nbn connection box, associated cables and other equipment), you may be able to engage a registered cabler to complete this work under nbn’s Authority to Alter guidelines.

Please note, this only applies to nbn’s Fixed Line technologies including FTTN, FTTC, HFC and FTTP. You can check the nbn technology at your address here. If you are looking to relocate your external nbn supplied equipment, or you’re using satellite or Fixed Wireless technology, you will not be able to contact a registered cabler as this is not covered under our Authority to Alter.

If you are a registered cabler, see our cabling guidelines page for information.

If you are using Fixed Wireless technology, please visit the Modifying nbn infrastructure page and complete the application form. A member of the Relocation Works team will be in contact to provide you with assistance and any associated costs to complete the work.

External nbn supplied Equipment

For external nbn equipment relocations in your home or business, please visit the Modifying nbn infrastructure page and complete the application form. A member of the Relocation Works team will be in contact to provide you with assistance and any associated costs to complete the work.

Moving house

Moving out

It is a legal requirement that you leave the nbn supplied equipment such as the connection box and cables if you are moving out of your house.

Moving in

If you’re moving into a premises connected to the nbn network and discover the nbn supplied equipment has been removed, please contact your phone and internet provider and they will arrange for the equipment to be reinstalled. This may delay your new nbn network connection. There are however more steps you can take to help experience a smooth relocation to your new address.

Are you connected to the nbn network by satellite?

If your nbn supplied equipment has been installed in an area that is causing a serious hazard, safety concern or impacting the use of your medical alarm, please call 1800 687 626 immediately.

If your nbn supplied equipment has been removed by a third party or is missing, please contact your phone and internet provider directly so they can arrange for reinstallation.

If you’re relocating existing nbn supplied equipment due to service performance, please first consider optimising your internet connection by speaking to your provider about your specific needs.

Removal or relocation of nbn supplied satellite equipment

If your existing nbn supplied satellite equipment or cabling requires removal, modification or relocation within your home or business, please choose between the following forms:

Premises that require trenching

There are some cases where a property owner may be required to organise digging a trench to prepare for a connection to the nbn broadband access network. If you are unsure of the trenching requirements for your premises, please contact your phone or internet provider.