NBN full fibre mandatory upgrades are coming from 2027, and the clock is ticking for Australian households still clinging to outdated copper-based connections. NBN Co has announced that premises currently on fibre to the node (FTTN) or fibre to the curb (FTTC) will face mandatory migration to full fibre to the premises (FTTP) starting next year, ending the era of optional upgrades for millions of Australians.
Key Takeaways
- NBN Co mandates FTTP upgrades for copper-based premises from 2027 onwards.
- Free upgrades available now for eligible premises through supporting NBN providers with 500Mbps+ plans.
- Vast majority of copper homes eligible for free upgrade by December 2026; remaining 622,000 premises by 2030.
- FTTP connections surged to 2.99 million after September 2025 speed tier upgrades, overtaking FTTN as most common.
- New 2Gbps speed tiers require FTTP; trials show potential for speeds exceeding 2Gbps.
Why Mandatory FTTP Matters Now
The mandatory shift to full fibre reflects NBN Co’s push to ensure maximum Australians access the fastest possible speeds. Currently, 8.647 million active NBN connections exist across Australia, but roughly 3 million premises remain on older copper technologies that cap speed potential. FTTP eliminates this ceiling, unlocking gigabit-class speeds unavailable on FTTN or FTTC networks. The September 2025 speed tier upgrades—which introduced the NBN 2000 plan at 2Gbps—demonstrated that fibre-based infrastructure is essential for future-proofing Australia’s broadband landscape.
The timing is strategic. By making upgrades mandatory from 2027, NBN Co gives households and businesses two years to transition voluntarily at no cost, then enforces the shift for holdouts. This carrot-and-stick approach acknowledges that many Australians have delayed upgrading despite free offers, either through inertia or skepticism about the value proposition. The mandatory deadline removes that choice, ensuring network-wide consistency and allowing NBN Co to retire legacy copper infrastructure.
Free FTTP Upgrade Window: Act Before 2027
Here is the critical window: free FTTP upgrades are available right now for eligible premises through supporting NBN retail service providers (RSPs) offering plans with at least 500Mbps download speeds. The vast majority of copper-based homes are eligible for free upgrade by December 2026, with the remaining approximately 622,000 premises eligible by 2030. After 2027, the mandatory phase begins, and voluntary participation may no longer guarantee cost-free migration.
To activate a free upgrade, sign up with a supporting NBN RSP and order a plan offering at least 500Mbps speeds. This threshold replaced the previous 100Mbps minimum after September 2025 speed tier changes. , NBN Co phased out 100Mbps plans for FTTP, replacing them with 500Mbps offerings at the same price point—a move designed to accelerate adoption of faster tiers and justify the infrastructure investment. Eligibility varies by premises; checking your address on the NBN Co website confirms your current technology and upgrade status.
FTTP vs. Legacy Copper: Speed and Future-Proofing
The gap between FTTP and older copper-based technologies has widened dramatically. FTTN and FTTC rely on copper lines for the final stretch to homes, creating bottlenecks that cap speeds well below fibre’s potential. FTTP delivers fibre directly to the premises, eliminating copper entirely and enabling symmetrical gigabit speeds. While hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) connections—supporting roughly 2 million premises—can deliver fast speeds, FTTP remains the superior architecture for maximum performance and future capacity.
Recent trials underscore FTTP’s potential. NBN Co’s latest full fibre speed trials have demonstrated capabilities far exceeding the current 2Gbps commercial ceiling, with some tests reaching speeds over 100 times faster in controlled environments. This suggests FTTP infrastructure could support speeds of 5–10 gigabits per second within the next decade, provided supporting equipment (like capable Wi-Fi routers and network cards) evolves accordingly. Copper-based technologies cannot scale to these levels, making mandatory FTTP migration essential for long-term competitiveness.
Fixed wireless connections, serving approximately 400,000 premises in rural and remote areas, represent a different category. These sites face inherent limitations due to tower capacity and spectrum constraints, and lack a fibre upgrade path. For these premises, fixed wireless remains the practical solution, though they too benefit from network-wide performance improvements as FTTP density increases.
The Surge in FTTP Adoption Post-September 2025
FTTP connections jumped to 2.99 million as of the latest count, up from 2.66 million previously and 2.17 million as of June 30, 2024. This acceleration followed the September 2025 speed tier rollout, when RSPs began offering 500Mbps and 2Gbps plans to FTTP-eligible premises. The surge overtook FTTN as the most common NBN connection type, signaling that Australians are finally embracing full fibre when given compelling speed incentives and zero-cost upgrade paths.
This momentum matters. The higher the voluntary adoption rate before 2027, the smoother the mandatory transition will be for remaining holdouts. Networks with dense FTTP footprints operate more efficiently, and NBN Co can retire copper infrastructure faster, reducing operational costs. For individual households, early adoption avoids potential congestion during the mandatory migration phase and locks in current pricing before any future changes.
What Happens After 2027?
From 2027 onward, premises still on FTTN, FTTC, or other copper-based technologies will face mandatory migration to FTTP. NBN Co has not announced specific enforcement mechanisms—whether this means forced disconnection, mandatory service interruptions, or other penalties—but the intent is clear: copper’s era is ending. Households that upgrade voluntarily before the deadline avoid the uncertainty and disruption of a forced transition.
The broader context is Australia’s broadband competitiveness. Nations with mature FTTP networks—like South Korea and parts of Europe—have established gigabit-class broadband as a utility, enabling innovation in remote work, education, and digital services. Australia’s NBN, initially criticized for its hybrid-technology approach, is now consolidating around fibre as the dominant infrastructure. The mandatory FTTP push accelerates this shift and positions Australia to compete on broadband quality within the next decade.
Should I upgrade to FTTP now or wait until 2027?
Upgrade now if you are eligible. Free upgrades are available through December 2026, with no cost to you if you sign up with a supporting RSP. Waiting until 2027 risks mandatory migration during a potential surge in demand, which could delay your service or introduce service interruptions. Early adoption also lets you enjoy gigabit speeds immediately and avoid the uncertainty of how NBN Co will enforce mandatory transitions.
What if my premises is on fixed wireless or HFC?
Fixed wireless premises in rural and remote areas have no fibre upgrade path and will remain on fixed wireless. HFC premises can benefit from speed tier upgrades but are not subject to the same mandatory FTTP migration as copper-based sites, since HFC already supports gigabit-class speeds. Check your address on the NBN Co website to confirm your technology type and eligibility.
How do I check if I am eligible for a free FTTP upgrade?
Visit the NBN Co website and enter your address to see your current connection type and upgrade eligibility. If you are on FTTN, FTTC, or another copper-based technology, you are likely eligible for a free upgrade through a supporting NBN RSP offering 500Mbps+ plans. Eligibility timelines vary, but most copper premises qualify by December 2026.
The mandatory FTTP shift represents a turning point for Australian broadband. Households that act now secure free upgrades, future-proof their connectivity, and avoid the disruption of forced migration. Those that delay risk congestion, service interruptions, and the possibility of paying for upgrades that could have been free. With gigabit speeds already available and multi-gigabit potential on the horizon, FTTP is no longer optional—it is the foundation of Australia’s digital infrastructure for the next decade.
Edited by the All Things Geek team.
Source: TechRadar
