NBN has already completed their roll out last 2020, just in time for people in Australia to enjoy great broadband connection now that the world is experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic that limits us from going outdoors or having physical interaction. People now have become quite internet dependent on almost anything: food, clothing, medicines, and even social interactions. Parties have now converted to virtual ones, and even ordering essentials like eggs and milk are already done online. Imagine what it would be if you are not connected.
Now, not everyone in the entire continent is NBN ready. There are still places, especially those in the regional areas, that have not been included in the NBN roll-out. We are not sure when or if it will happen, but for now, folks from those vicinities will definitely have to make do with what they currently have.
If you haven’t switched yet, the NBN roll-out may have gotten you pretty excited. You might already be choosing from the NBN plans available in the market. But how would you know if your location is NBN ready?
NBN ROLL-OUT MAP
NBN has a roll-out map, which contains details of locations where NBN is located and where it isn’t. You may even search for it directly online by searching for an NBN roll-out map and keying in your location. It will tell you the status of your area, whether it’s NBN ready or how soon NBN will be available to you, and which technology type is available for you.
Now if you are lucky enough to have NBN in your area, then here are the following ways to check if your property is NBN ready:
1: CHECK THE TECHNOLOGY TYPE
Knowing what type of NBN technology is available in your area will help you plan your connection properly. There are 5 types of technology that NBN is using:
- Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) – This is the best type of connection; it is the fastest type available on the NBN. However, the cost of installation is very expensive, but you can choose to upgrade to this type of technology if you’re willing to shoulder the installation costs.
- Fibre to the Building (FTTB) – This type of connection is commonly used for apartments or office blocks, or multi-dwelling units. The connection runs all the way from a central spot in the building and is connected to each unit using copper wiring.
- Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) – This kind of technology offers a way better connection compared to FTTN, as the optic fibre is run just a few metres to your dwelling place.
- Fibre to the Node (FTTN) – This is the most basic connection NBN has. It involves a line of fibre being run to a central location, or node. Often, the nodes are located at the end of the street or between a number of streets. Your connection at home runs through a traditional copper telephone line from the node.
- Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC, or NBN Cable) – This uses the same technology as cable tv subscriptions. If you have cable tv, then you can get this type of NBN connection once it’s available in your area.
2: CHECK WITH YOUR PROPERTY DEVELOPER
If you’ve recently bought a new house, do check with your property developer to see if they have already applied to connect to the NBN access network. Usually if there is a new development, new cabling will be needed to connect to the NBN. If this is the case, call a registered cabler or your ISP provider to help you.
3: ASK YOUR LANDLORD OR PROPERTY MANAGER
If you are renting or leasing a space that has no NBN connection yet, you may want to speak to your landlord or property manager before proceeding. There might be an existing NBN connection in your space already or they might be able to help out in contacting a cable service or ISP that can help you get connected in no time. Also, since the property does not belong to you, you will need to inform them of the property developments you wish to pursue.
