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FTTB NBN Explained

Find out more about FTTB connections on the NBN, how they work and their potential speeds.

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, updated on August 5th, 2024       

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If you live in an apartment block and are looking for a connection to the National Broadband Network (NBN), chances are you’ll need a FTTB connection. Because of this, it’s important to understand how this connection type works to help you secure the best available plan for your needs.

You can find out all about FTTB connections on the NBN, including learning about how they work, how to install them and the sorts of speeds you can expect them to support, right here with Savvy in our comprehensive guide. Read more with us today!

What is a FTTB connection for the NBN and how does it work?

FTTB, which stands for Fibre to the Building (or Fibre to the Basement), is one of the seven connection types available on the NBN. It’s one of the more unique options, as it’s tailored to apartments and offices in buildings, rather than directly laying a connection to a single home. Like other connection types, such as Fibre to the Node (FTTN) and Fibre to the Curb (FTTC), it utilises the existing copper phone infrastructure in your area to establish a connection.

Here's how FTTC works:

  1. NBN Point of Interconnect: fibre optic cables running from the nearest NBN Point of Interconnect connect to a node close to your apartment building.
  2. Connection to the MDF: from the node, another fibre optic cable connects to the Main Distribution Frame (MDF), which is typically located in the basement or control room of apartment blocks.
  3. Connection to apartments: your building then connects each individual apartment to the NBN via the existing copper cables running to each premises.
  4. Data distribution: once the FTTB connection and other required equipment are set up, you can enjoy internet suitable for various online activities, including streaming, online gaming, video conferencing and more.

Although FTTN and FTTC connections can be replaced by FTTP connections in some cases to help homes achieve faster speeds and more reliable internet, this isn’t currently an option for those with a FTTB connection. However, upgrades could still come for this technology in the future.

How is my FTTB NBN connection installed and what equipment do I need?

The installation of an FTTB NBN connection in your apartment is very simple and typically only involves these steps:

  1. Modem router: all you'll need for a FTTB connection is a compatible modem router, namely one which supports VDSL2 connections. This can either be included for free or an additional charge by your provider or purchased independently (such as from a previous connection). You’ll need to connect this to a phone wall socket and its own power source to power it up.
  2. Activation: once the physical installation takes place and your modem router is turned on, your internet connection will be established shortly after. You'll receive instructions on how to set up your Wi-Fi network and devices.

The process is one of the easiest on the NBN, with all the work able to be done by you in a matter of minutes to ensure your connection is up and running before you know it.

How fast are FTTB NBN connections?

FTTB NBN connections can offer high-speed internet but are only capable of supporting speed tiers up to NBN 100, which is 100Mbps (megabits per second). This means FTTB connections are unable to provide you with access to higher speed tiers such as NBN 250 and NBN 1000, both of which can only be supported by FTTP and certain Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) connections.

There are several factors which can also impact the speeds delivered to your apartment or office, such as your service provider, network congestion and the amount and quality of copper cable used in your connection.

However, because a lesser portion of your overall physical connection is made up of copper lines, FTTB connections are often considered stronger than FTTN connections. To get the best performance from your FTTB NBN connection, consider selecting an NBN plan which aligns with your internet usage needs and ensure your Wi-Fi router can handle the maximum speed offered by your plan.

Common questions about FTTB NBN connections

What are my alternatives if I don’t want to connect to the NBN?

There are several other options available if you don’t wish to sign up for the NBN. These include:

  • Home wireless broadband: utilises mobile networks (either 4G or 5G) to establish an internet connection
  • Fibre internet: another fixed line broadband connection, but privately owned to run in competition with the NBN (although availability for this type of connection is much more limited)
  • Mobile broadband: works similarly to home wireless, but is designed more for on-the-go use than a stable connection
How much will my FTTB NBN plan cost?

The cost of an FTTB NBN plan can vary depending on a range of factors, with the main one being the speed tier you choose; the higher the maximum speed, the more you’re likely to spend. Additionally, plans may also vary in cost based on contract terms and any additional services or features included. Prices are typically outlined by your chosen provider, so it's worth comparing plans from different providers to help you find one which meets your needs and budget.

Can I still connect to the NBN via FTTB if I got rid of my landline phone?

Yes – as long as you still have a phone wall socket for your modem router to plug into, you can access the NBN through a FTTB connection. However, if your socket has been removed, you’ll likely have to pay for a professional to reinstall one in order to establish your connection.

What happens to my connection in an NBN outage?

During an NBN outage, your internet connection will be disrupted. The exact duration of the outage and the cause can vary. To address this:

  1. Check for outages in your area: use an online outage checker, look up your internet service provider's website and search their social media for outage information and updates.
  2. Restart your modem: to rule out the possibility of a modem issue, it’s worth resetting your modem and seeing if this restores your internet.
  3. Contact your provider: if the outage persists or if it's a widespread issue, contact your NBN service provider for assistance and updates on when service will be restored.
  4. Look for alternative connections: if you have a mobile data plan or a mobile hotspot, you can use your smartphone or mobile device to stay online. Alternatively, you may wish to move to a public Wi-Fi network.

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Compare internet plans with Savvy

Regardless of whether you're looking for an internet plan for a one-person household or a large family, you can compare a range of offers from leading Australian providers side by side with Savvy. Get started with a free, no-obligation quote today!
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Disclaimer:

Savvy is partnered with Econnex Comparison (CIMET Sales Pty Ltd, ABN 72 620 395 726) to provide readers with a variety of internet plans to compare. We do not compare all retailers in the market, or all plans offered by all retailers. Savvy earns a commission from Econnex each time a customer buys an internet plan via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased directly, as all purchases are conducted via Econnex.

Any advice presented above is general in nature and doesn’t consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an internet plan. For further information on the variety of internet plans compared by Econnex, or how their business works, you can visit their website.

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Disclaimer and important things you should know

Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.

We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.

For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.

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