The short version

Key points

  • Selected premises may be moved from legacy copper services to full fibre where fibre is already available nearby.
  • Unlike the previous fibre connect model, customers may not need to order a higher speed tier first to access the upgrade.
  • NBN Co expects to target around 130,000 homes and businesses in the first year.
  • Notifications are expected from July 2027, while the first copper service suspensions are not expected until January 2028.
  • NBN says customers will receive multiple notifications, with options for extensions, deferrals and additional support.

What the targeted upgrade program means

NBN Co has announced a targeted program to move selected homes and businesses off legacy copper services and onto full fibre. The program is aimed at locations where fibre is already available nearby, rather than representing an immediate nationwide replacement of every copper-based connection.

The first year is expected to target around 130,000 premises. NBN Co says the first customer notifications are expected to begin from July 2027, and the first suspensions of legacy copper services are not expected until January 2028. This means affected customers are not expected to lose their existing service immediately.

How this differs from earlier fibre upgrades

The targeted upgrade model differs from the previous fibre connect approach. Under that model, many customers would generally need to order a higher speed plan before moving to fibre. Under the new targeted program, selected premises may be able to move to fibre without first having to change to a higher speed tier.

The transcript describes this as removing one of the barriers that could discourage customers from upgrading. However, the program is targeted, so the announcement does not mean that every premises on an older NBN technology will be moved at the same time.

Why NBN is targeting copper services

NBN says the program may focus on underperforming copper lines that affect service speeds and stability. It may also retire underused nodes to simplify network operations. This makes the program about more than maximum download speeds: it also concerns reliability, maintenance and the ongoing cost of operating older infrastructure.

Fibre is described in the transcript as being more reliable than copper, better suited to higher speeds, and less sensitive to distance and weather. Those characteristics can matter for activities such as working from home, streaming, gaming, uploads and business connectivity. For many households, consistent performance may be more important than achieving the theoretical maximum speed available to a premises.

The wider upgrade and pricing picture

The targeted program sits alongside a broader upgrade effort. The transcript refers to government funding announced in early 2025 to support upgrades to the remaining fibre-to-the-node footprint, with up to $3 billion in government equity and more than $800 million from NBN Co. That program is intended to reach hundreds of thousands of additional premises, with more than half in regional Australia.

The transcript also notes that NBN wholesale pricing remains a live issue. Depending on the internet provider and speed tier, wholesale pricing can affect household bills. Moving to fibre may improve the underlying connection, but the announcement does not establish that customer costs will fall.

What affected customers can expect

NBN says there will be multiple notifications before a legacy service is suspended. Customers will also have options for extensions, deferrals and additional support where needed. These measures are important because a forced migration requires clear communication and enough time for customers to understand their options.

The announcement is therefore an early indication of a longer transition away from parts of the copper network. The timing, eligibility and practical process will depend on which premises are selected and how NBN Co communicates with affected customers.

TechManPat’s conclusion

My view is that moving suitable premises from ageing copper services to full fibre is overdue and technically sensible, particularly where reliability is the main problem. I also think the transition needs clear notices, practical support and attention to pricing, because better infrastructure will not feel like an improvement if customers are left confused or facing higher bills without a clear benefit.
Source note

This knowledge-centre summary is based on the linked TechManPat video and reflects the information available when it was published. Check current pricing, availability and policies before acting.