NBN Full Fibre Upgrade Guide: How to Switch from Copper to FTTP with Flip

Australia’s internet infrastructure is undergoing its biggest transformation in a decade. As legacy copper cabling ages, NBN Co is accelerating the national transition toward full fibre optic connections, giving households direct access...

Australia’s internet infrastructure is undergoing its biggest transformation in a decade. As legacy copper cabling ages, NBN Co is accelerating the national transition toward full fibre optic connections, giving households direct access to faster and far more reliable broadband. 

If your home or business currently relies on a Fibre to the Node (FTTN) or Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) connection, upgrading to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) is no longer a complex or expensive process. Recent network policy shifts mean a free NBN FTTP upgrade is now accessible to millions more Australian properties. 

Here is what you need to know about the transition to full fibre, what recent NBN policy updates mean for your household, and how to upgrade copper NBN to full fibre seamlessly through Flip. 

What Has Changed? Key Policy Updates for FTTN and FTTC 

NBN Co has introduced major network updates designed to help Australians move away from legacy copper lines and onto reliable fibre optic infrastructure. 

  1. Demand-Driven Upgrades via NBN Fibre Connect
    Under NBN Co’s overarching Fibre Connect (More Fibre) program, eligible FTTN and FTTC customers can request a $0 standard installation to replace their old copper lead-in with pure fibre optic cabling simply by placing an upgrade order through a participating provider like Flip. 

  1. FTTC High-Speed Plan Requirement 
    Previously, under Fibre Connect rules, most households on an FTTC connection had to commit to a high-speed plan (100 Mbps download or faster) to trigger a free full fibre installation. 
    NBN Co officially removed this restriction as of July 2026. Eligible FTTC premises can now request an FTTC to FTTP upgrade on whichever speed tier best suits their budget and household usage. This change opens up direct fibre access for approximately 600,000 additional homes across Australia. 

  1. NBN Targeted Upgrades and Copper Retirement 
    To reduce reliance on ageing copper lines, NBN Co announced its Targeted Upgrade program.  
    Under this initiative, NBN Co will target selected locations where fibre is already available, focusing on underperforming copper lines and retiring underused network nodes. Here is how the transition timeline works: 

  • Notifications (Starting July 2027): Eligible homes and businesses will begin receiving NBN-led notifications starting in July 2027, with approximately 130,000 premises included in the first year. 

  • No Speed Tier Lock-in: Customers can complete their full fibre upgrade while staying on their existing speed plan (such as NBN 50). 

  • Managed Disconnection as a Last Resort: For properties where an upgrade order is not placed after clear notice, service suspensions will not begin until January 2028. Unmanaged copper lines will face a temporary suspension before full disconnection. 

Upgrading proactively ensures you avoid last-minute installation rushes or unexpected service interruptions when copper lines in your suburb are retired. 

FTTN vs. FTTC vs. FTTP: Why Full Fibre is a Major Upgrade 

Understanding how your current connection operates makes the benefits of full fibre clear: 

  • Fibre to the Node (FTTN): Fibre runs to a central street cabinet, but the final stretch to your property relies on old copper telephone wires. Connection speeds often drop based on how far your home is located from the node. 

  • Fibre to the Curb (FTTC): Fibre extends closer to your property line, but still uses copper wiring from the street pit into your wall socket. 

  • Fibre to the Premises (FTTP): Pure fibre optic cable runs all the way into an NBN utility box installed directly inside your home, completely eliminating copper. 

Connection Type 

Final Distance Cable 

Weather Resilience 

Speed Consistency 

FTTN 

Copper (up to 1km+) 

Vulnerable to rain 

Variable by distance 

FTTC 

Copper (pit to door) 

Moderate 

Good 

FTTP 

100% Fibre Optic 

Excellent 

Maximum and Consistent 

Primary Benefits of Full Fibre: 

  • Storm & Weather Resilience: Water entering underground copper pipes is a leading cause of dropouts on FTTN and FTTC lines. Fibre optic cables use light signals through glass, making them far less affected by extreme weather conditions. 

  • Consistent Evening Speeds: Full fibre delivers steady throughput during peak busy periods (7pm to 11pm), even when multiple family members stream, game, and work at the same time. 

  • Future-Proofing Your Home: As household data consumption grows with 4K/8K streaming, smart home devices, and remote work, an FTTP connection provides scalable bandwidth for decades to come. 

How the Flip FTTP Upgrade Works (Step-by-Step) 

Step 1: Check Your Address & Choose Your Plan 

Visit Flip's FTTP Upgrade Page or speak with our Australian support team to verify whether your address is currently eligible for an nbn full fibre upgrade. Select from our range of competitive flip nbn fibre plans, from budget-friendly everyday speeds to ultra-fast gigabit options. 

Step 2: Book Your Fibre Installation 

Flip coordinates directly with NBN Co to submit your upgrade request and book a professional installation appointment. 

Step 3: Prepare for Installation Day 

An NBN technician will install new fibre cabling and NBN-supplied equipment inside and outside your premises. An adult (18+) must be present during the appointment to approve where equipment is mounted. If you are renting, ensure you have landlord consent prior to the visit. 

Step 4: Connect & Enjoy Ultra-Fast Speeds 

Your existing copper connection stays active throughout the installation process, ensuring zero internet downtime. Once your new indoor NBN Network Termination Device (NTD) displays solid green lights, connect your router to the designated UNI-D port and enjoy pure fibre broadband. 

Ready to Ditch Copper? Switch to Full Fibre with Flip 

If you are experiencing speed dropouts on FTTN or want to take advantage of the expanded FTTC eligibility rules, now is the ideal time to complete an fttn to fttp upgrade. 

Flip provides $0 standard installation on eligible full fibre upgrades, flexible month-to-month plans with no lock-in contracts, and 100% Australian-based customer support ready to guide you through every step. 

Flip Tip: 

You do not need to wait for a copper disconnection notice to upgrade. If your address is eligible today, requesting your free full fibre installation early ensures you secure your preferred installation window on your own terms. 

Check your eligibility today: Visit Flip’s FTTP Upgrade Page or call our Australian support team on 1300 354 788.