7-minute read

Get ready for faster nbn speeds and reliable broadband as we bring more fibre to the nation’s capital.

If you live or work in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), you may see some exciting changes to your internet over the next few years.

We’ve started to upgrade around an additional 97,000 homes and businesses that are on the nbn^® network in the ACT from their current nbn^® Fibre to the Node (FTTN) connections, with more than 95 per cent of premises having the option to upgrade to nbn full fibre via Fibre to the Premises (FTTP).^

These premises join the more than 38,000 homes and businesses connected to the nbn network that can already order an upgrade, thanks to nbn’s existing upgrade programs, and the 40,000 premises that were served by nbn FTTP in the initial nbn network rollout.

Faster nbn broadband to power more

With the growing number of connected devices and ever-increasing data usage in Australian homes and businesses, having access to fast broadband is crucial – now and for the future.

That’s why we’re upgrading parts of the nbn network in the ACT with more than 95 per cent of premises being upgraded having the option to upgrade to nbn full fibre.

nbn full fibre is more reliable than nbn FTTN and enables access to nbn’s fastest residential upload and download speeds.^#

Work on the upgrades has begun – with help from nbn’s Delivery Partners, Ventia and Service Stream – and will be completed progressively, with all upgrades expected to be finished by the end of 2030.

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ACT suburbs being upgraded

Some premises in the following ACT suburbs will be progressively upgraded from nbn FTTN by 2030^:

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What’s involved in upgrading our network

There are three phases of work to upgrade eligible premises in the ACT. Eligible premises will receive communications in the mail from nbn’s Delivery Partners before each phase starts, so keep an eye out for these notifications.

The three phases are:

1. Survey (network design)

During this phase, nbn Delivery Partners Ventia and Service Stream will assess existing underground and aerial infrastructure and design the network. This phase generally takes anywhere from four to around eight months.

2. Construction

This is the physical construction of the network. It means a fibre optic cable will be connected from the street to your premises via the existing nbn (or newly-built) telecommunications pathway in areas where nbn is the statutory infrastructure provider (SIP).⁺

It’ll then be connected to a small nbn utility box installed on an outside wall of your building – this is a ‘premises connection device’ (PCD). This stage can generally take up to approximately 14 months.

3. After construction

Your premises will be declared ‘Ready for Order’ approximately two months after the construction phase finishes.

If you’re an eligible customer, you’ll be notified that you can order an nbn full fibre service. From there, simply place an order with your preferred phone and internet provider that provides services over the nbn network.

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Why the ACT nbn upgrade is different

Upgrading the nbn network in the ACT is one of the most unique and complex builds in our history. It’s a big job – and it comes with some specific local challenges.

A smart mix of underground and aerial

Getting the ACT connected to nbn full fibre will involve a hybrid approach: building underground, and upgrading existing aerial infrastructure.

This will help us deliver fast speeds and future-ready broadband, while also being mindful of residents and the streetscape.

Most of the upgrade will go underground

Around 90 per cent of the FTTN to FTTP nbn network upgrade is expected to involve a new underground build. This means we’ll be carrying out more than 1,500 kilometres of civil works in road reserves and public spaces.

Why underground? We conducted feasibility trials in Canberra that revealed underground builds are more efficient and less disruptive to residents. Plus, it means we can minimise accessing private properties.

A complex rollout

Unlike many other parts of Australia, around 98 per cent of nbn FTTN premises in the ACT use backyard power poles owned by Evoenergy.

Due to power poles being in the backyard rather than the front, this makes aerial upgrades here more complex than usual. It also means the ACT rollout will be one of the most challenging we’ve done so far.

Aerial upgrades, only where necessary

Under our hybrid upgrade approach, a small number of premises will stay connected via existing backyard aerial pathways.

We’ll only use aerial upgrades where building underground isn’t practical or would cause too much disruption.

These upgrades will be carried out in collaboration with Evoenergy, which owns the aerial network. In some cases, they may involve multiple backyard visits, temporary power interruptions and, in rare cases, removal of vegetation or structures.

We understand this can be inconvenient, so we’ll work closely with Evoenergy and affected residents to keep disruptions to a minimum, and keep you informed.

Private land access and installation

As part of the rollout, we’ll be installing nbn utility boxes (known as a ‘Premises Connection Device’ or ‘PCD’) on the outside of properties. This will involve accessing private land so our Delivery Partners will work closely with affected residents before commencing work, and care will be taken to minimise disruption.

Minimising impact, protecting vegetation

We know how important the ACT’s trees and streetscapes are. That’s why we’re working closely with the ACT Government to help protect vegetation on private property and within the road reserve.

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The rollout is underway

The survey phase has already begun with construction work due to start in early 2026. We expect to complete the upgrade program by the end of 2030.

This means, depending on where your suburb sits in the timeline, if your premises is eligible, you may be able to order an nbn full fibre service from as early as 2026.

For those living and working in any of the following suburbs, you may have already noticed activity happening in the area. If not, stay tuned.

Suburbs where the survey phase has started or will start shortly include:

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What to expect during the survey phase

Authorised nbn Delivery Partners in your area

Our Delivery Partners will be walking the streets, taking photos and measurements, surveying areas, assessing the existing telecommunications network in your street, speaking with landowners, and organising meetings with the wider community. 

Minimal disruption

Rest assured, most of the work will involve hand digging and there may be the occasional use of vacuum trucks.

Access to private property

Our Delivery Partners will need to inspect the planned pathway for installing a lead-in cable at your premises, and the planned installation location for the nbn utility box (PCD).

Notification from us

Part of the planned nbn upgrade? You’ll receive notification from our Delivery Partners outlining their proposed activities. This may include needing to access your front yard to assess your current nbn connection.

If you have any questions or concerns about the proposed activities, you can contact the nbn Delivery Partner for your area (details follow).

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Who are our Delivery Partners?

Ventia and Service Stream will undertake the design and construction work on behalf of nbn. During the survey and construction phases, they will be responsible for all interactions and communications with affected premises owners.

If you have any concerns or questions about the works being carried out in your area, please contact the Delivery Partner for your region. It’s also important that the Delivery Partners have your correct contact details to keep you up to date and notify you of works.

North Canberra

If you live in suburbs in the north of Canberra, your nbn Delivery Partner is Ventia.

South Canberra

If you live in suburbs in the south of Canberra, your nbn Delivery Partner is Service Stream.

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Get more information

Check your address to find out more about the nbn technology available at your address, or if a full fibre upgrade is planned.

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^ nbn is committed to undertaking design work with the aim of providing an upgraded wholesale broadband service.

# Customer experience on nbn full fibre, including speed, depends on your internet provider, plan, equipment quality and if you use the internet at peak times.

+ The Statutory Infrastructure Provider (SIP) regime under the Telecommunications Act 1997 (the Act) aims to ensure that all people in Australia can access high speed broadband services. Under the Act, nbn is the default SIP for Australia. The SIP regime also provides for alternative providers to become SIPs for the geographic areas in which they deploy telecommunications infrastructure.