Getting a new internet service connected generally takes around ten days from the time of order, however this may be significantly longer or shorter depending on the type of service.
Every telco and every household will be different, but in this guide we lay out how long it should take for your new connection to be up and running.
In this guide:
- How long does it take to connect a new NBN connection?
- Home wireless and mobile broadband connection times
- ADSL connection times
- Other internet types and connection times
- Switching providers: how much downtime to expect
How long does it take to connect a new NBN connection?
Assuming that your premises is NBN ready at the time of order, most providers estimate ten working days to set up a new connection, but this may differ depending on your technology type.
The NBN consists of seven technology types:
- Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)
- Fibre to the Building (FTTB)
- Fibre to the Curb (FTTC)
- Fibre to the Node (FTTN)
- Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC)
- NBN Fixed Wireless
- Sky Muster satellite
Each type is connected to the network however some utilise more copper, or operate via wireless or satellite connections. It is important to note that you don’t get to choose your technology type, it was in some way determined for you by the Abbott government. Be sure to send your thanks along with an onion.
Different technologies have different set ups, some which require a technician to visit which can bolster your wait time. In some cases, such as new developments where the in-home install has already taken place, you’re likely to have a much shorter wait time. The same is true for FTTB connections where the NBN technician will simply visit and install the required hardware in a central location. Fixed Wireless NBN connections and Sky Muster satellite installs are a lengthier process.
Internet service providers are responsible for connecting your premises to the NBN technology equipment, however the NBN itself is responsible before that time. How long your wait time is will vary depending on the availability of registered NBN technicians at the time.
In the case that you’re still waiting for your place to be NBN ready, you can check how much longer you’ll need to wait to order through the NBN Check address function.
Home wireless and mobile broadband connection times
Unlike internet connections that rely on cabling, home wireless and mobile broadband simply uses the existing mobile networks to connect you to the internet.
As the infrastructure is already in place, connecting a mobile broadband internet connection takes the shipping time of your modem and the time it takes to unbox it and plug it in to a wall socket or insert the SIM. The modem will connect to your chosen network and you will immediately be able to browse the web.
There are a few situations where you may experience some downtime while setting up mobile broadband. Your provider may be having technical issues and you annoyingly happen to be experiencing an outage while you’re trying to connect for the first time. If you are hoping to connect on a 5G modem but 5G is yet to roll out in your area you may need to connect to 4G in the interim while waiting for coverage to extend to you. Or alternatively you may be in a location that isn’t covered by your chosen provider’s mobile network and in which case will be unable to connect at all.
Before ordering mobile broadband services it is wise to check your local coverage. You can compare Telstra, Optus and Vodafone coverage on our guides here.
ADSL connection times
ADSL is a dying breed but some Australians still connect to the old copper network. Not many providers are still offering ADSL plans, in fact Telstra and MATE are the only two providers actively on our database at the time of writing.
Unlike NBN, ADSL connections always require a technician visit even when just switching providers so this can result in a more drawn out process. Both providers still offering the service utilise Telstra technicians who are sent out at the first available appointment, although how long this timeframe actually is is not noted by the provider.
Other internet types and connection times
Despite how far reaching the NBN is, other private internet connections are available in certain locations across Australia.
The most common of these in private fibre or cable. TPG has the largest private fibre network in the country which also extends internationally, but other providers such as Launtel, HarbourISP and Leaptel also operate on a private fibre network called the Local Broadband Network (LBN).
Connection times for these technologies vary greatly depending on the provider, however like since these private industries are more niche it is likely that there will be a lower demand for technicians so you may be able to get someone out to you faster than with traditional NBN.
Switching providers: how much downtime to expect
How much downtime you can expect when switching providers will depend on your connection type.
If this isn’t your first NBN connection then you can be switched over from one provider to another in as little as 15 minutes.
Provided that your technology or connection type remains the same then there is usually no downtime when switching your NBN connection from one provider to another.
On the other hand if you’re changing from one internet connection type to another - say ADSL to NBN - you will be starting again from scratch so you’ll be back to the estimated ten business day waiting period.
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