Take Advantage of a Full Fibre Upgrade with nbn

For owners and residents, fast and reliable internet connectivity is increasingly front of mind.

Why should I think about nbn right now?

Many strata buildings were initially connected to the nbn network using technologies that relied partly on copper infrastructure. Those technologies were suitable at the time but no longer meet the needs of today’s households as demand increases.

Today, the typical household has more than 25 connected devices, and that number is expected to soar to 43 by the end of the decade. We also spend more than 6.5 hours a day online and are streaming and gaming more than ever before.

Hybrid work, multiple streaming services, smart devices and online services have changed what residents expect from their home internet connection.

nbn is now offering many strata communities the opportunity to upgrade their entire building to full fibre via nbn Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) for a flat fee, with fibre running all the way to each residence. For eligible buildings, this is a structured, whole of-building upgrade that can only happen with the involvement of the Owners Corporation.

Why strata matters in the fibre upgrade conversation

Unlike standalone homes, strata buildings share common infrastructure. That means individual residents can’t request a fibre upgrade on their own. The decision must be made collectively, through the Owners Corporation, with a formal agreement in place with nbn.

This decision should be viewed less as a telecommunications issue and more as an infrastructure decision for the building.

Internet connectivity has become a core utility in modern strata living.

What fibre technology actually means for residents

Upgrading to an nbn FTTP connection replaces copperbased connections with fibre optic cable, which is designed to handle far greater volumes of data with greater reliability than legacy technologies.

Practically, this means:

• More reliable video calls for residents working or studying from home
• Better performance when multiple devices are online at once
• Improved capacity to support future technologies and services

nbn research has also found that 73% of property buyers believe fibre adds value to their property.

While connectivity alone doesn’t determine property value, it increasingly forms part of a broader liveability and amenity conversation.

What does the upgrade involve?

First, check if your building is eligible for an upgrade on the nbn website (https://www.nbnco.com.au/residential/upgrades/more-fibre-for-buildings).

If eligible, the Owners Corporation enters into an agreement with nbn to upgrade the entire building. nbn then works with a construction partner to design an installation plan tailored to the building, including access to common areas and apartments.

Once construction is complete, residents can choose whether and when to connect to a fibre plan through their preferred retail provider.

Importantly, this is a building-wide infrastructure upgrade. Individual apartments are future-ready even if residents choose not to connect straight away.

Addressing disruption concerns upfront

One of the most common concerns strata communities raise is disruption. No Owners Corporation wants unnecessary inconvenience for residents.

The upgrade process is designed to minimise disruption, with advance notice, clear communication and agreed access arrangements. Installation plans are developed specifically for each building, taking into account layout, heritage considerations and existing infrastructure.

As strata managers and authorised representatives, you play a key role in coordinating communication and ensuring residents understand what to expect at each stage.

A governance decision, not a technology debate

For Committees, the key question is not whether residents need faster internet today. It is whether the building’s core infrastructure is positioned to meet residents’ needs over the next 10 to 20 years.

A fibre upgrade can support current residents, improve the attractiveness of the building for future buyers and renters, and reduce reliance on ageing copper infrastructure that was never designed for modern usage.

Starting the conversation

Strata managers play a crucial role in helping Owners Corporations navigate the decision-making process for a fibre upgrade.

• Facilitating information gathering
• Coordinating communication
• Clarifying the decision process
• Assisting in weighing options

By providing structure, clarity, and open communication, strata managers empower owners to make well-informed, collective decisions that serve the long-term interests of the building and its residents.

For many buildings, this is not just an upgrade. It is an opportunity to bring essential infrastructure up to the standard residents now expect from modern strata living.