Splice is a fibre-only internet service provider, and every plan in our range is eligible for free upgrade. This guide walks through how the process works and what you’ll need.

FTTN vs FTTP: what actually changes

The upgrade replaces the copper line between the street cabinet (the node) and your home with fibre optic cable. That copper is what limits FTTN speeds and causes most drop-outs.

nbn reports full fibre is about six times more reliable than its copper-based connections. Speeds above 100 Mbps, including nbn 500 and nbn 1000 plans, need FTTP or HFC.

Are you eligible?

You’re eligible if nbn has built fibre to your street and your home is classed as a simple premises. Check at splice.au, call us on 1800 SPLICE (1800 775 423), or enter your address on the nbn address checker; if it says full fibre is available, you can order now.

If the checker says fibre is “coming” or “headed your way”, construction isn’t finished yet. nbn expects more than 99% of the roughly 600,000 premises left in its FTTN program to have an FTTP upgrade path by December 2030.

Separately, nbn’s Targeted Upgrade program will send notices to selected FTTN and FTTC homes. Those homes get six months to order the upgrade on any plan, and unconverted copper services can be suspended from January 2028.

The upgrade process, step by step

Splice is your single point of contact from order to switchover; nbn does the physical work.

1. Check your address. Use the nbn checker, or ask Splice to check for you on 1800 SPLICE (1800 775 423).

2. Choose a Splice plan. Every plan, from Everyday Streamers (500/50) to Maxxed Boosted (2000/500), meets nbn’s current upgrade requirement. We place the fibre upgrade order with nbn for you.

3. Book the installation. We help arrange your appointment with an nbn-approved technician. Some homes need more than one visit, for example an outside visit to run the fibre lead-in, then an inside visit for the equipment.

4. nbn installs fibre and equipment. The technician runs fibre from the street to a utility box on your outside wall, then to a new nbn connection box inside.

5. Splice connects you. Once the fibre install is complete, we activate your Splice FTTP service. Your existing FTTN line keeps working alongside it until it’s cancelled, so you stay online.

6. Cancel your old FTTN service. Once you’re happy Splice is working, cancel your FTTN service with your previous provider so you aren’t billed twice.

Costs, timeframes and your plan

The standard fibre build and nbn-supplied equipment are free for eligible simple premises. Your ongoing cost is your Splice plan, with unlimited data on every plan.

Extra charges can apply in some cases. If nbn finds during its assessment that your property needs extra work, such as trenching or new conduit, that cost may be passed on, and we’ll tell you before anything goes ahead. Moving or adding internal cabling and outlets is also not covered by the free installation.

Timeframes vary by address and how much work your property needs. Splice will give you an expected appointment date when you order.

Splice plans are month-to-month, with no lock-in contract. One condition comes from nbn, not Splice: if you joined Splice with a fibre upgrade from FTTN, nbn may charge a $200 fee if you cancel or downgrade within 12 months. Once you’re on fibre, you can move between Splice plans later without another installation.

Installation day: how to prepare

An adult aged 18 or over must be home, because the technician needs their consent and signature on where the equipment goes.

• Renting? Get your landlord’s written permission first. Drilling is usually needed, and sometimes digging.

• Pick a spot for the nbn connection box. It needs a power point and should sit where your router can cover the home well.

• Clear access to the outside wall where the fibre enters, and to the inside location.

• Sort out your router. A router isn’t included with Splice plans, and an FTTN-only VDSL2 modem won’t work on fibre. Use your own FTTP-compatible router or buy a Nokia WiFi Beacon from Splice, from $80 for a Beacon 3.1 up to $599 for a three-Beacon mesh pack.

• Check any devices that run over your current line, such as a medical or security alarm. Contact the company that supplies or maintains them to confirm they’ll work on fibre, and whether they need reconfiguring after the switch.

Choosing Maxxed Boosted (2000/500)? You’ll need equipment that supports 2.5 Gbps to get full speed, and nbn may need to replace your connection box with a compatible one.

After the install, Splice activates your service and lets you know it’s live.

Frequently asked questions

Will I lose internet during the upgrade? Usually not. FTTP is installed alongside your FTTN connection, which stays active until it’s cancelled.

Do I have to upgrade? Not under the standard program. If nbn ever plans to switch off FTTN at your address, it must tell your provider at least 18 months beforehand. Homes in the Targeted Upgrade program are the exception, with a six-month window after notice.

Can I leave or change plans after upgrading? Splice is month-to-month, so the most you’d pay to leave us is one month of your plan. But if you joined with an FTTN fibre upgrade, nbn may charge a $200 fee if you cancel or downgrade within 12 months.

I live in an apartment. Can I upgrade? The standard program covers simple premises. Apartment buildings usually go through nbn’s separate building upgrade pathway, which needs the owners corporation.

Do I need a static IP? Most people don’t. Splice uses a dynamic IP behind CGNAT by default, which suits browsing, streaming and video calls. If you host a server, use certain VPNs or remote access, or run some gaming or security camera setups, add a static IP for $5 a month. It’s included on the Maxxed Out and Maxxed Boosted plans.

Ready to upgrade? Talk to Splice

Splice can check your address, help you pick a plan, and arrange the whole fibre upgrade with nbn. Full terms are in our Standard Form of Agreement.