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National Broadband Network (NBN)

Transferring to an NBN Hybrid Fibre-Coaxial service? Learn how to transfer, what needs to be installed in your home, what to get ready for installation day, and more!

Transferring to NBN Hybrid Fibre-Coaxial (HFC)

How do I transfer my ADSL to NBN HFC?

First, use our Coverage tool to see if NBN HFC is available in your area. If it is, simply sign up online, or call us on 1300 NBN NOW (1300 626 669).

 

How can I transfer an existing HFC service to NBN HFC?

Once you know that NBN HFC is available in your area, simply sign up online or call us on 1300 NBN NOW (1300 626 669). We'll order a new NBN service, and once it's working you can contact your old provider to cancel your service.

 

Can I transfer an existing NBN HFC service to Internode NBN HFC?

Yes. Sign up online, and choose the option to transfer your existing active NBN service from another provider to Internode.

Please note that your previous provider may charge contract break fees and/or service disconnection fees, under their contract with you. Internode is not responsible for - and has no control over - those fees.

 

How will upgrading to NBN HFC affect my existing services?

Your current landline and ADSL services will remain connected - at least initially - when you connect to NBN HFC. If you're an existing Internode customer - and you're migrating over to the NBN - unless you ask us to keep your existing services active, we'll cancel them approximately 7 days after you start using your new NBN HFC service.

If you don't cancel your existing landline and ADSL services, access to services on the copper network will be removed approximately 18 months after NBN HFC is ready in your area. If you'd like to keep using your phone number, you'll need to transfer it to NBN Phone before the copper network becomes unavailable. To avoid any disruption to your service, we strongly recommend that you transfer your phone service when you sign up for NBN HFC broadband.

Any existing HFC broadband or cable TV services should remain connected when you connect to NBN HFC. To keep your existing services working, a splitter will be installed between the coaxial port and the Network Termination Device. However, be aware that access to older HFC broadband services will be removed approximately 18 months after NBN HFC is available in your area.

 

Will there be any downtime while I switch from ADSL to NBN HFC?

Because ADSL and NBN HFC broadband use different technologies, there should be no internet downtime while you switch. To avoid disruption, we can keep your ADSL connected right up until your NBN service is installed and working. If if you prefer, you can phone us when you'd like your ADSL disconnected.

If you are transferring your landline telephone number to the included NBN Phone service, your landline phone will be cancelled when the number is ported. Simply plug your phone into your included NBN HFC router to use NBN Phone when this happens.

 

How long does it take to get connected to NBN HFC?

Installation time-frames vary, depending on demand in your area and the availability of NBN Co installers. If your NBN HFC hardware is already installed, connection usually takes between 5–7 working days. If your NBN HFC hardware still needs to be installed, connection can take between 5–20 working days.

 

What do I need to do before the installation appointment?

If you don't already have a coaxial wall socket installed, have a think about where you want the wall socket and the NBN HFC Network Termination Device to be installed. We recommend:

  • Near your current modem/router (if you have one).
  • Near your existing phone or network cabling.
  • Within 1.5 metres of an accessible power point.
  • In a cool, dry, and ventilated area.
  • Away from busy areas where it may get knocked or damaged.

 

Will I need to be home on installation day?

Yes. You or an authorised representative (aged 18 or older) must be there for the whole appointment. You or your representative will need to let the technician in, and advise where the equipment should be located.

 

What happens on installation day?

Check the technician's ID when they arrive, to make sure they're a contracted NBN technician.

Example NBN technician ID
Figure 1: Example NBN technician ID

The technician will ask where you want your equipment installed. If you already have a coaxial wall socket installed, typically this will be used. They'll also discuss whether the requested work can be performed without charge. Installation might not be possible in some locations due to safety or other considerations (such as the need for extra wiring).

Your HFC lead-in cable may already be connected to the outside of your building. If not, a new aerial or underground lead-in cable will be used. A small trench may need to be dug if the connection will come from underground. If the connection comes from overhead, some minor clearing of vegetation may be needed. NBN Co has a strict "leave it as it's found" policy, so there's no need to be concerned about permanent damage.

Once your lead-in cable is installed, the technician will need to run a cable through to the inside of your premises. They will drill a small hole to feed the cable through to where you want it inside your premises, then terminate it with a coaxial port. Then they will connect the Network Termination Device to the coaxial port.

You may need to move furniture so the technician can access the installation site. Be prepared for some drilling noise and dust - again, the NBN technician will clean up afterwards.

Standard installations take between 3–4 hours. More time may be needed if you ask the NBN technician to perform a non-standard installation.

 

What needs to be installed in my home?

If your premises is not already connected, the installer will run a lead-in HFC cable from the street to a box on the outside of your house. Then the installer will drill a small hole through your wall and feed the cable through. This will terminate at a coaxial port, which will connect to your Network Termination Device, which looks similar to a broadband modem. If you have an existing cable TV or broadband service, the installer may also install a splitter to connect both services.

You'll be given the opportunity to decide where you would like this equipment installed. Your NBN installation needs to be near a dedicated power point, in a cool, dry, ventilated area. This should preferably be near your existing phone or network cabling.

A Hybrid Fibre-Coaxial installation with a splitter for existing services
Figure 2: A Hybrid Fibre-Coaxial installation with a splitter for existing services

It's now possible to run most services over WiFi, so it's up to you if you want further cabling installed. The NBN installer cannot undertake any internal wiring beyond the Network Termination Device. If you need internal cabling, contact a registered cable installer.

 

Can I still get connected to NBN HFC if I'm renting?

Yes, but we need the property owner's permission to install NBN HFC equipment. You will need to speak to your property manager or landlord. When it's time to get connected, we'll need the owner's permission in writing, signed and dated.

 

I live in an apartment building or block of units - how can I get connected?

If NBN HFC is already available in your area, contact us by phone on 1300 NBN NOW (1300 626 669), or contact our Sales team online, and we'll get you connected. If you're renting, you'll need the property owner's permission to install NBN HFC equipment.

If the NBN isn't available yet, but you're within NBN Co's roll-out plan, you'll need to contact the building owner or authorised representative. The owner/representative will need to register their details with NBN Co to connect the building to the NBN.

 

Can I keep my telephone number?

Yes, but before the copper services are switched off in your area, you'll need to transfer your number to NBN Phone to keep using it. We strongly recommend that you transfer your phone service when you order your NBN HFC broadband.

 

NBN HFC has been rolled out to my area - do I have to switch?

You don't need to switch to NBN HFC straight away, but it's a good idea to get connected sooner rather than later.

Telephone and broadband services on the copper and legacy HFC networks will be turned off approximately 18 months after the NBN is ready in your area. If you're already connected to NBN HFC there won't be any disruption to your phone and internet services when this happens.

Once NBN HFC has been enabled in your area, you won't be able to order any new copper-based services - including telephone services, ADSL2+, or Naked ADSL2+. Additionally, any new HFC cable-based broadband services will only be available via the National Broadband Network.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and the lands on which we, and our communities live, work and connect. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present, and emerging.