KEY POINTS
- Switching NBN providers can be a quick and easy process, although in some cases it may take a couple days to switch over.
- Don’t cancel your old NBN service before signing up to your new service.
- You may need to pay additional fees for cancelling your old plan such as outstanding modem costs.
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How to switch NBN providers
Switching NBN providers might seem like a daunting task, but once you break it down into steps, it’s not as hard a process as you might think — the hardest part might just be deciding which NBN plan you should switch to. Taking it one step at a time might be the best way to go, so we’ve broken up the process into simple steps to help you switch NBN providers.
1. Review your current NBN contract and plan
If you’re making the switch from one NBN provider to another, you’ll need to review your current NBN plan and contract to see if there are any cancellation fees or if you’ll need to pay off or return your modem (if you didn’t BYO modem). Some providers may even have a notice period for cancelations.
While most plans don’t charge for early termination of a month-to-month plan, if you had a modem included on your plan, usually listed as a free or $0 modem, you may be required to stay connected to the provider for a certain period, like 24 or 36 months. If you cancel before that period, you may either need to pay off the remaining modem cost or return the modem to the provider — or pay a modem non-return fee if you don’t.
After you’ve reviewed your current plan and you’ve decided it’s a good time to be switching NBN providers, don’t cancel your plan just yet! There are a few extra steps you need to take first.
2. Compare and sign up to a new plan
The hardest part of changing NBN providers can be deciding which plan and provider to sign up to. Your first step is to do your research and decide which provider and plan is right for you — you can compare a wide range of NBN plans and providers with Canstar Blue’s free NBN comparison tool to get started.
The main thing you’ll need to consider is which NBN speed tier is going to best suit your needs — keeping in mind that accessing fast NBN speeds requires an FTTP or HFC NBN connection type. Once you know which speed tier you need, you might want to set a realistic budget to help you narrow down your NBN provider choices. If you value customer service and want to know what other Aussies think of their NBN provider, you can check out Canstar Blue’s Most Satisfied Customers ratings for NBN providers.
You may also want to consider whether you want to get a new modem or BYO modem and any extras you might want on your plan, such as bundled services or entertainment extras.
Unlimited NBN 100 Plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 100 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Unlimited NBN 50 Plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 50 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Unlimited NBN 25 Plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 25 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Unlimited NBN 12 Plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 12 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
3. Check and prepare your equipment and devices
Once you’ve decided to switch NBN providers, you might want to check any devices that you have that rely on an internet connection. If you’re switching to the NBN for the first time, this will also be important to check as the NBN technology type may be different to what you were using before.
Items such as medical alarms, fire alarms, security systems, EFTPOS terminals, and fax machines, which might rely on existing telephone and copper lines. If you already have an NBN connection, you might also want to ensure during the switch from one provider to another, that access to any important devices is not compromised during the transition.
Likewise, if you have a home phone number that you wish to keep when switching providers, you’ll need to make your new provider aware that you wish to port your phone number across to your new service — but make sure you get confirmation from your new provider.
If you’re using an email address connected to your old plan, you may also want to forward future emails to another account, or back up any important messages before disconnecting.
4. Wait for the switchover!
Once everything is ready to go, you just need to wait for your internet service to switch from your old provider to your new provider. This process can take a couple hours or a couple days, although in some cases, the switchover might be so quick you don’t even notice it! Your new provider may then notify you when your new service is up and running and you’ve tested that your devices are able to connect to the internet with no issues, you can move on to the final step.
5. Cancel your old NBN service
Once your internet is set up with your new telco, you’ll need to let your old provider know you want to cancel your service. In some cases, your new provider may look after this on your behalf, but you should still get in touch with your old provider to ensure your old service is cancelled.
When cancelling, you may need to pay a final bill and you may also have additional fees to pay such as early termination charges and any outstanding modem costs. In some cases, your old provider may ask you to return the modem that was included with your old plan. If this is the case, make sure you have a new compatible NBN-ready modem/router lined up — you can either buy one yourself, or you can usually purchase a pre-configured device from your new NBN provider.
You may also want to check for a clear disconnection date from your old internet provider so you can ensure you’re not getting accidentally charged for a plan you’re no longer connected to.
NBN plans you might like
The following table shows a selection of sponsored unlimited data Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50), and Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) plans on Canstar Blue’s database with links to referral partners..
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1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $64.99) Typical evening speed of 50Mbps
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Unlimited Data/month |
$60.99 Cost/month |
Go to Site |
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1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $80.00) Typical evening speed of 500Mbps
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Unlimited Data/month |
$80.00 Cost/month |
Go to Site |
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1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $75.00) Typical evening speed of 100Mbps
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Unlimited Data/month |
$75.00 Cost/month |
Go to Site |
Unlimited Home Standard (NBN 50) Plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 50 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost (excluding discounts), from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Unlimited Home Fast (NBN 100) Plans
The table below shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 100 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
What if I’m switching internet types?
The NBN isn’t the only internet option out there, so instead of switching NBN providers, you can also switch internet types. Whether you’re unhappy with your current internet service, or maybe you’re moving home and have a completely different internet type available at your new address, switching internet type might be a simpler process.
Switching from NBN to home wireless broadband or mobile broadband
Switching from an NBN plan to a wireless plan, such as home wireless broadband (also known as 4G home internet or 5G home internet) or even a mobile broadband plan, is a much simpler process.
Mobile broadband is designed to be portable, and is great for tablets and laptops. Home wireless broadband is marketed as a home internet solution, and is probably more suitable if you’re looking to replace your NBN plan completely.
While you’ll most likely need a new modem, once you’ve signed up to your new plan and have your new modem up and running, your new wireless internet connection should go live virtually straight away after activation. All you’ll need to do after your wireless plan is up and running, is to cancel your NBN plan.
Switching to a different fibre internet type
There are more fibre internet networks out there than just NBN. Depending on your location, you may have access to non-NBN fibre networks, such as OptiComm, Spirit, or Lightning Broadband, or be able to connect to other fixed-line networks operated by providers including TPG and iiNet. However, these fibre options aren’t available everywhere and are more likely to be offered in new development areas or in apartment blocks.
Usually homes are connected to one fibre network — whether that’s NBN or a different fibre network. It could be possible to get your home connected to another fibre network, however it’s a more complicated process to switch from one fibre network to another. You may need a technician to visit your home to set up your service, which might involve installations and additional costs to make the switch.
If you are able to switch from one fibre network to another, the process should be similar to switching NBN providers. You’ll need to ensure all your equipment is compatible with your new service, sign up to your new plan, wait for your new plan to activate, and then cancel your old internet plan after your new service is up and running.
How long does it take to switch NBN providers?
While most NBN connections can be completed in one to three business days, some customers may experience a longer waiting period. Connection times may vary for a variety of reasons, including your location, the type of NBN technology your home will connect with, and if your property is already NBN-ready.
If this is the first time NBN has been connected at your address, you’ll likely need to make an appointment for an NBN technician to install and activate your new service. You can organise an installation time with your telco, so you won’t need to contact NBN Co directly. Depending on your address and the availability of technicians in your area, the next available appointment may be several weeks away: your telco will be able to advise you further when you place your order.
If you don’t require a visit from an NBN technician, you may be given the option of installing your modem and service yourself. Customers who choose the self-install option will receive full instructions on how to complete the process, usually sent out with your provider’s modem.
FAQs about switching NBN providers
After you’ve successfully changed NBN providers — and cancelled your old plan — you should be able to start using your new internet service as normal. However, you may need to do a few things once your service has switched over, such as reconfiguring your modem (if you didn’t purchase a modem from your new provider).
If you’re transferring a home phone service, it may also take several weeks to port this number across to your new provider after your new plan is activated. You may need to keep your old landline service active with your old provider until this switchover happens (or risk losing your phone number). It’s important to get clear instructions from your new NBN provider before the switchover about this process and what your options are during the porting process, so you can ensure a smooth transition.
If your new NBN service is working as it should, you may still receive a final bill from your old provider even after you have cancelled your old plan. However, keep an eye out for any unexpected direct debits or bills from your old provider and always get in touch with them if you believe you’ve been incorrectly billed for a service you’ve cancelled.
When you’re switching NBN providers, you may need a new modem, but this really depends on a few factors. You may need a new modem if you were using an older modem which is incompatible with the speeds on your new plan — this tends to be the case if you’re upgrading to a super-fast NBN speed or if you’ve gone through the NBN free fibre upgrade program while switching over. Your new provider should let you know what modem you’ll need for your new plan during the sign up process, or you may need to ask if your current modem is compatible.
In some cases, a modem/router may also be locked to the original provider, in which case, you should be able to ask your old provider to unlock the modem for you.
If you’re switching internet type — such as NBN to 5G home wireless — you will most likely need a new modem as your new plan operates on a different technology type and has different connection requirements.
While the NBN rollout is now complete, if you haven’t used NBN at your address before, or you’re unsure about whether you have NBN available if you’ve just moved to a new home, you can enter your address at NBN Co’s address checker to see if you have NBN services available or not, along with which NBN connection type your home has.
NBN Co is also rolling out fibre upgrades to millions of homes and businesses across the country, so your home might be eligible for an NBN free fibre upgrade. This means your home will be able to access faster NBN speeds, such Home Superfast and Home Ultrafast speeds.
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