How to Save Money on nbn Installation Costs: Expert Guide 2025
Home & Business Internet Blog | MATE | 4 November 2025
Did you know that most standard NBN installations come free? In many cases you won’t pay anything extra to get connected to Australia’s National Broadband Network – you’ll just pay for your monthly internet plan with your chosen provider.
There are a few situations where costs can kick in though. If you’re building or moving into a brand-new home with no existing NBN infrastructure, a one-off New Development Charge (NDC) of $300.00 (incl. GST) may apply under government rules for new developments. In more complex or remote scenarios – like non-standard installations, long cable runs or extra civil works – total costs can climb, especially if trenching or specialist labour is required.
The good news? With a bit of planning, you can usually avoid most surprise costs and keep your set-up as cheap and stress-free as possible.
In this guide we’ll break down how NBN installation works, when fees apply, the hidden costs to watch for, and eight smart ways to save money while still getting a solid connection at home.
Key takeaways
- Most standard NBN installations are free – if your home is already serviceable and doesn’t need extra work, the standard install is usually covered by NBN. Your provider may still charge its own set-up or modem fees, so always check the fine print.
- New developments may attract a $300.00 fee – brand-new homes or redevelopments in “new development” areas may incur the New Development Charge of $300.00 (incl. GST), which is usually added to your first bill by your internet provider.
- Avoid non-standard work where you can – custom installs, extensive internal wiring, equipment relocations, trenching and after-hours appointments can quickly add extra charges.
- Use existing compatible equipment – if your current modem/router is NBN-ready and supports your technology type (like VDSL2 for FTTN/FTTB or Ethernet WAN for FTTP/HFC/FTTC), you can skip buying a new one and avoid extra hardware and set-up fees.
- Choose providers that minimise upfront costs – some providers waive set-up fees, offer no-contract plans and let you bring your own modem. For example, MATE offers no lock-in contracts, unlimited data on all NBN plans, and lets you bundle mobile to save $10 a month on your internet.
- Check for free Fibre upgrades – many premises on FTTN and FTTC are now eligible for free FTTP upgrades through NBN’s Fibre upgrade programs when they order an eligible high-speed plan (NBN 100 or above) with a participating provider. The upgrade build itself is free; you just pay your new plan price.
- Plan ahead to dodge hidden costs – schedule installs during standard hours, avoid moving NBN equipment unless absolutely necessary, and ask early about any potential trenching or internal wiring work so you’re not surprised later.
Bottom line: a little preparation and some savvy comparison shopping can help you secure a high-quality NBN connection without paying more than you need to.
Understanding NBN installation costs
NBN installation costs can vary depending on your address, the technology type serving your property, and whether any extra work is needed. The first step is understanding what counts as a standard installation versus a non-standard or specialised install.
What is included in a standard NBN setup?
For most homes, NBN provides a standard installation at no extra charge. This applies across the main fixed-line and fixed wireless technologies:
- NBN Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)
- NBN Fibre to the Node (FTTN)
- NBN Fibre to the Building (FTTB)
- NBN Fibre to the Curb (FTTC)
- NBN Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC)
- NBN Fixed Wireless
A standard installation generally includes:
- An NBN connection box (Network Termination Device or NTD) inside your home (for FTTP, FTTC, HFC and Fixed Wireless)
- An NBN utility box on the outside of your home where required (for FTTP)
- Standard cabling from the street or nearby network infrastructure to your premises
- Basic testing to confirm the service is working at the network boundary
For NBN Fixed Wireless, you’ll typically get:
- An outdoor antenna mounted where it can best see the serving tower
- An indoor NBN connection box (NTD) linked to that antenna
Your chosen provider is then responsible for supplying or supporting the modem/router you plug into the NBN connection box, unless you’re bringing your own.
When do NBN connection fees apply?
While NBN’s standard installation is usually free at eligible addresses, there are a few situations where additional fees may apply (charged by NBN and often passed on by your provider):
- New development locations – if your address is classified as a new development, a one-off New Development Charge of $300.00 (incl. GST) may apply when you connect for the first time.
- Non-standard or complex installations – jobs that involve unusual cabling routes, special mounting, difficult access, extra visits or extended time on site may be billed as non-standard work.
- Subsequent installations – if NBN has previously installed equipment at the property and you need additional work beyond a standard activation, extra charges may apply.
- After-hours appointments – booking an installer outside standard business hours can attract a surcharge, as can late cancellations or missed after-hours appointments.
- Equipment relocation – moving an existing NBN connection box or outdoor equipment usually requires specialised work and is not part of a free standard install.
Your provider should disclose any applicable installation-related charges in its Critical Information Summary (CIS) or Key Facts Sheet before you sign up.
Cost of NBN installation in new homes
New housing developments are where installation costs are most likely to appear.
Under the Australian Government’s Telecommunications in New Developments (TIND) Policy, NBN may charge a one-off end-user contribution (EUC) – commonly referred to as the New Development Charge – when connecting a premises in a new development to the NBN network for the first time. This charge is currently $300.00 (including GST) per residential premises and is usually passed on via your internet provider’s bill.
The fee can apply to situations like:
- Brand-new homes in new estates with no existing NBN connection
- Knock-down rebuilds where the old connection was removed and a new premises is created
- Subdivisions that create additional dwellings requiring new connection points
Separate wholesale charges can also apply to developers and builders for the broader network infrastructure in large new estates, but these are usually baked into land or build costs rather than charged directly to residents.
If you’re building or buying in a new estate, it’s worth asking the builder, developer or your provider upfront whether your lot is flagged as a new development and whether the $300.00 NDC will appear on your first invoice.
Types of NBN connections and their cost impact
The NBN network uses a Multi Technology Mix (MTM), meaning different premises are served by different technologies depending on location and existing infrastructure. Your underlying technology can affect the installation experience, the kind of modem/router you need, and what paid upgrades are available, but it doesn’t usually change the cost of a standard install itself.
FTTP vs FTTN: Which costs more to build (and should you care)?
Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) brings Fibre optic cable all the way into your home and terminates at an NBN connection box. This is considered the “gold standard” and supports very high wholesale speed tiers currently offered over the NBN network.
Fibre to the Node (FTTN) runs Fibre only to a neighbourhood node or cabinet and uses the existing copper telephone lines from that node to individual homes.
From NBN’s point of view, FTTP costs more to build than FTTN because it requires more Fibre and more work per premises. However, these construction costs are not billed directly to you as an individual customer. What you’ll see as a customer is:
- Similar pricing for equivalent speed tiers across technologies (e.g. NBN 50 on FTTP vs NBN 50 on FTTN)
- More choice of higher-speed plans on FTTP, including newer multi-gigabit tiers only available over FTTP or HFC in many areas
So while FTTP is more expensive to roll out, you don’t pay a higher standard installation fee just because you’re on FTTP instead of FTTN. The main “cost impact” is that FTTP gives you the option to choose higher (and therefore naturally more expensive) speed tiers if you want them.
HFC, FTTC, FTTB and Fixed Wireless explained
Besides FTTP and FTTN, you may also see these NBN technologies:
- NBN Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) – uses Fibre to a local node and then existing pay TV-style coaxial cabling into your home. HFC supports high-speed plans, including faster tiers in eligible areas.
- NBN Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) – Fibre is run to a pit near your property, then existing copper lines cover the short distance into your home. FTTC can offer stronger performance than FTTN because the copper run is shorter.
- NBN Fibre to the Building (FTTB) – commonly used in apartment buildings. Fibre is delivered to a communications room in the basement, then existing in-building wiring (often copper) connects individual units.
- NBN Fixed Wireless – uses radio signals from NBN towers to an antenna on your home, then an indoor NBN connection box. Recent upgrades have boosted Fixed Wireless performance and added higher-speed wholesale tiers in many regional areas.
For standard installs, all of these technologies are generally treated the same: if your address is already serviceable and no extra work is required, installation is usually free at the network level, with any modem, activation or set-up charges coming from your chosen provider.
How your location affects NBN connection cost
Where you live can influence how simple – or expensive – it is to get connected:
- Technology availability – metro areas are more likely to have FTTP, HFC or FTTC; regional and remote locations may be served by Fixed Wireless or NBN Sky Muster satellite. The standard installation may still be free, but there can be more chance of extra work in remote locations.
- Proximity to existing infrastructure – properties closer to existing Fibre, towers or pits usually require less construction work than very rural or hard-to-reach locations.
- Civil works requirements – long driveways, shared private roads or complex building layouts may need trenching, additional conduit or specialised mounting solutions, which sit outside a basic standard installation and can incur separate costs.
- Technology upgrades – if you’re looking to upgrade (for example, from FTTN to FTTP) via the user-pays Technology Choice Program, your quote will depend heavily on local infrastructure, distance, and construction complexity. Official guidance and real-world examples show that costs can range from a few thousand dollars to significantly more per premises.
For everyday households just connecting for the first time on their assigned technology, the only location-specific fee you’ll usually see is the New Development Charge where applicable.
8 ways to save money on NBN installation
Here are eight practical, real-world ways to keep your NBN installation costs down.
1. Check if your home is already NBN-ready
Your first step should be checking your property’s NBN status via NBN’s online address checker:
https://www.nbnco.com.au/consumer/homeIf your premises already has an active or inactive NBN connection point (for example, an existing FTTP NTD, HFC wall plate or known FTTN service), you may only need a simple service transfer through your new provider rather than a full installation. That’s usually the cheapest option and often free from an NBN perspective.
2. Use your own modem-router if it’s compatible
If you’ve bought a decent modem/router in the last few years, there’s a good chance it can be used on your new NBN service. This can save you the cost of a new device and any “modem set-up” or “hardware” charges your provider might add.
As a quick guide:
- FTTN / FTTB – you’ll need a modem that supports VDSL2, and ideally also SOS/ROC features for stability.
- FTTP / HFC / FTTC / Fixed Wireless – you’ll generally use a standard router or modem/router in “router only” mode, connected via Ethernet WAN to the NBN connection box.
If in doubt, check your modem model against your provider’s compatibility list or ask their support team before you sign up.
3. Choose a provider with low or no set-up fees
Many providers waive standard connection or activation fees as part of ongoing offers, especially when you bring your own modem or buy one outright.
When comparing plans:
- Look at upfront costs (activation, modem, delivery) as well as the monthly price
- Check whether any “discounted modem” requires you to stay for a minimum term or pay it out if you leave early
- Favour no-contract plans where you can leave without big exit fees if the service doesn’t suit you
MATE offers no lock-in contracts, unlimited data on all NBN plans, and lets you bring your own compatible modem if you prefer.
4. Avoid unnecessary equipment relocation
NBN equipment – like the FTTP connection box, HFC wall outlet or Fixed Wireless antenna – should ideally stay where it was originally installed. Moving it often involves:
- A visit from an approved NBN contractor
- Potential civil or internal cabling work
- Fees for labour and materials that are not covered by standard installation
If you’re renovating or changing room layouts, try to plan your furniture, TV and office setup around the existing NBN equipment location. Where that’s not practical, discuss alternatives with your provider – sometimes a better-placed Wi-Fi router or mesh system is cheaper than relocating the NBN box itself.
5. Bundle services to reduce your monthly bill
Saving money on installation is great, but saving money every month is even better.
Many providers offer discounts when you bundle services like internet and mobile together. With MATE, if you bundle a MATE mobile plan and an NBN internet plan on the same account, you’ll get $10 off your NBN plan every month – that’s ongoing savings, not just a once-off promo.
Bundling can help offset any once-off charges like the New Development Charge or modem purchase over time.
6. Compare plans with no lock-in contracts
Most NBN providers now offer contract-free or month-to-month plans with no exit fees. If you’re not locked into a long contract, you can switch providers more easily if:
- Your speeds aren’t matching expectations
- Customer service isn’t up to scratch
- Another provider offers a better introductory offer or ongoing value
Comparison sites like WhistleOut, Finder and Compare Broadband can help you spot no-lock-in options and factor in things like typical busy-hour speeds, intro discounts and any set-up fees.
7. Ask your provider about free Fibre upgrades
If you’re on FTTN or FTTC and want better speeds and reliability, you may be eligible for a free upgrade to FTTP under NBN’s current Fibre upgrade initiatives.
To qualify in many areas, you generally need to:
- Be in an eligible FTTN or FTTC footprint (check on the NBN website or with your provider)
- Order a qualifying high-speed NBN plan (often NBN 100 or above) with a participating provider
When you do that, NBN organises the FTTP build and installation at no additional installation cost to you. You just pay your normal monthly plan fee on the higher-speed tier you’ve chosen.
This is one of the best value ways to “upgrade” your connection without paying full Technology Choice Program prices out of pocket.
8. Schedule standard-hours installations to avoid surcharges
If your install requires a technician visit, try to choose a weekday appointment during standard business hours. After-hours bookings, weekend visits and late cancellations can attract additional fees from NBN and sometimes from your provider as well.
If you can, avoid:
- Evening or weekend installs unless absolutely necessary
- Rescheduling at short notice
- Missing appointments – you may be charged a “no-show” fee
A bit of scheduling flexibility can save you a nice chunk of change.
Hidden costs to watch out for
Even if the NBN standard installation itself is free, there are a few “gotchas” that can sneak onto your bill if you’re not prepared.
Trenching and civil works
You may need to dig a trench on your property to get ready for an NBN connection. Property owners must hire qualified personnel to dig according to NBN specifications. NBN takes care of trenching outside your property boundaries like public footways or roads. Damage to underground services can get pricey if the excavation isn’t done carefully.
Typical situations where you might need to organise trenching include:
- Long driveways or private roads where cable needs to be run underground
- Complex block layouts or outbuildings (like granny flats) that need their own connection point
- Sites where existing conduits are blocked, damaged or missing
After-hours technician fees
Extra charges often apply when you need NBN installation or fault work outside regular business hours. Some providers also pass on fees if:
- You cancel an after-hours appointment without sufficient notice
- The technician arrives and nobody is home to provide access
To avoid these charges, always:
- Double-check your appointment window
- Ensure someone over 18 is home to let the technician in
- Give as much notice as possible if you need to reschedule
NBN box relocation cost
Professional help is needed to move already-installed NBN equipment, and it comes with a price tag. Only NBN and its authorised contractors can work on NBN infrastructure – unauthorised tampering can result in service issues or even legal trouble.
Relocation work can involve:
- Multiple technician visits
- Wall repairs or additional mounting
- New cabling runs inside or outside your home
If you’re planning a renovation, new media room or home office, it’s often cheaper to run additional Ethernet cabling or invest in better Wi-Fi than to move the NBN equipment itself.
Old sockets or wiring upgrades
Outdated or poorly installed in-home wiring can affect your NBN performance, especially when you have FTTN and FTTC connections. Poor wiring can significantly reduce download speeds according to studies.
Here’s what fixing these issues might involve:
- Moving your modem to the first socket
- Closing off unused phone outlets
- Installing a central splitter
- Re-cabling poor wiring
These upgrades might get pricey upfront but have been shown to boost speeds on average, particularly if your home has outdated “star wiring” with multiple phone outlets.
When to consider paid upgrades
Your home might benefit from upgrading to better technology if your NBN connection isn’t meeting your needs. Here are some ways you can enhance your connection.
NBN Technology Choice Program
Property owners can upgrade their existing NBN technology to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) through NBN’s Technology Choice Program by paying a fee. Single properties that are “ready to connect” can use Individual Premises Switch options. The location, existing infrastructure proximity, and construction complexity determine the costs.
Costs depend on factors like:
- Distance to existing Fibre
- How many premises are included (individual vs multi-premises)
- Local terrain and civil construction requirements
- The original technology and the desired upgrade technology
Public examples and NBN guidance show that individual upgrade quotes can range from a few thousand dollars to significantly more in some scenarios, so it’s not a decision to take lightly.
Is FTTP worth the extra cost?
FTTP has several advantages over copper-based alternatives:
- Higher speed potential – speeds can reach very high levels suitable for heavy streaming, large downloads and multi-user households.
- More reliable connection – the connection stays more stable with fewer interruptions compared to long copper lines.
- Better uploads and latency – video calls, cloud backups and online gaming all benefit from improved upload speeds and lower latency.
- Longer system life – FTTP infrastructure typically has a longer lifecycle compared to older copper-based technologies.
Households that use 4K streaming, play online games, or connect multiple devices at once will see the biggest benefits from FTTP upgrades.
How to apply for a Fibre upgrade
NBN’s Fibre upgrade initiatives now offer free upgrades to many FTTN and FTTC premises. The basic qualification process is:
- Visit NBN’s website to check if you qualify
- Select an NBN plan at the right speed tier (often NBN 100 or above)
- Schedule technician visits for assessment and installation
If you don’t qualify for a free upgrade, the Technology Choice Program remains an option, with costs depending on your location and the complexity of the build.
Conclusion
NBN connections don’t have to be expensive. Standard installations usually come at no cost. You should know what fees might apply so you can plan ahead and avoid surprises. Your final costs depend on the connection type, where you live, and whether your home is in a new development.
Smart planning can help reduce your NBN installation costs by a lot. A few simple steps can save you money: check if your property is NBN-ready, use compatible equipment you already own, and look for providers that don’t charge set-up fees. You can also save by booking installations during business hours instead of after-hours slots.
Many Australians get caught off guard by unexpected costs like trenching work, wiring upgrades, and equipment moves. You should ask detailed questions about these possible expenses before you commit to an installation.
FTTP upgrades might be worth the money if your household needs faster, more reliable internet. Many homes now qualify for free Fibre upgrades through NBN’s Fibre Connect style programs. If you face high upgrade costs, take time to weigh the long-term benefits against what you’ll pay now.
The NBN world keeps changing, and more Australians can access higher-speed technologies each year. You can get the best connection at the lowest price if you know your options and plan ahead. A bit of research now can save you hundreds while giving your home the best internet performance for years.
FAQs
Q1. How much does a standard NBN installation typically cost?
Most standard NBN installations are free of charge. However, in certain situations like new developments or complex, non-standard installations, additional fees may apply. New development premises may attract a $300.00 New Development Charge, usually added to your first bill by your provider.
Q2. What factors can increase the cost of NBN installation?
Factors that can increase costs include:
- Being in a new development area that attracts the $300.00 NDC
- After-hours installations or weekend appointments
- Subsequent installations at the same premises
- Non-standard installations requiring extra work
- Trenching and civil works on your property
- Relocating NBN equipment
- Upgrading old sockets or internal wiring
Q3. Can I use my own modem-router to save money on NBN setup?
Yes, you can use your own NBN-compatible modem-router if it supports the correct connection type for your service. This can save you the cost of a new modem that providers might otherwise supply or charge for. Just make sure your device supports VDSL2 for FTTN/FTTB, or Ethernet WAN for FTTP, HFC, FTTC or Fixed Wireless.
Q4. Are there any hidden costs to watch out for during NBN installation?
Yes, potential hidden costs include:
- Trenching and civil works on your property
- After-hours technician fees or missed appointment fees
- NBN box relocation costs
- Upgrades to old sockets or internal wiring that’s holding your speeds back
Always ask your provider about these possibilities before your installation is booked.
Q5. How can I upgrade to a faster NBN connection?
You may be able to:
- Change to a higher-speed plan on your existing technology
- Take advantage of a free upgrade to FTTP through NBN’s Fibre upgrade initiatives if you’re in an eligible FTTN or FTTC area
- Apply for a paid upgrade through the Technology Choice Program, with costs varying based on your location and existing infrastructure
Your provider can confirm what’s available at your address and help you choose the best option.
