The short version
Key points
- Eligible single-dwelling FTTC homes no longer need to order an NBN 100 plan or faster to qualify for the free FTTP upgrade.
- The change applies to the FTTC footprint, not all copper-based NBN services such as Fibre to the Node.
- Multi-dwelling FTTC premises were already exempt from the high-speed requirement.
- NBN Co says the FTTC footprint covers around 860,000 customers, with around 600,000 single-dwelling homes expected to benefit.
- The upgrade is not automatic; customers still need to check their address and understand the relevant conditions.
What has changed for FTTC customers
Previously, an FTTC customer who wanted to move to FTTP generally had to order an NBN 100 plan or faster to qualify for the free upgrade. This meant a household that was satisfied with an NBN 50 service could still have to pay for a faster plan before it could access full fibre.
NBN Co has now removed that high-speed plan requirement for eligible FTTC homes. Customers can remain on a more modest speed tier and still seek the upgrade, subject to the usual eligibility and provider conditions.
Why the rule matters
FTTC uses fibre to a pit near the property, with the final connection to the home continuing over copper. FTTP takes fibre all the way into the premises, removing that final copper section and providing more flexibility for future speed upgrades.
The change is relevant because the benefit of full fibre is not limited to higher download speeds. The transcript notes that FTTC has higher fault rates than any other copper-based NBN technology. Removing the speed requirement gives households with unreliable connections a way to pursue the underlying network upgrade without paying for a faster plan they may not need.
Not every household needs a gigabit service. A home may be satisfied with its existing speed while still wanting a more reliable connection and a stronger foundation for future use.
Who is covered
The change mainly affects single-dwelling premises on FTTC. Multi-dwelling premises using FTTC were already exempt from the high-speed requirement, so the announcement primarily opens access for regular houses that were previously restricted by the speed-tier rule.
The change does not mean that every Fibre to the Node property receives the same treatment. It applies to the FTTC footprint, which NBN Co says covers around 860,000 customers.
In December 2025, NBN Co said it planned to relax the requirement from July 2026. It estimated that around 600,000 single-dwelling FTTC homes would benefit, while around 240,000 FTTC homes had already upgraded to full fibre.
The upgrade is not automatic
Eligible customers still need to check their address through NBN Co or their internet provider. The upgrade is not automatic, and customers should review the terms and conditions, including any provider requirements and appointment arrangements.
The key difference is that customers no longer need to select a high-speed plan simply to unlock the opportunity. They can consider the full-fibre upgrade based on their connection needs rather than using a faster plan as an eligibility step.
TechManPat’s conclusion
I think this is a sensible change and a significant improvement for eligible FTTC households. I would look into the upgrade if I were on FTTC and my address qualified, even if I did not need higher speeds today. In my view, making it easier to move from copper to full fibre helps households and makes the NBN rules easier to understand.
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.
