In-home cabling

In-home cabling is strongly recommended as it can allow property owners to choose the location of the nbn™ connection box and may improve connectivity and data speeds within the premises.

When planning an in-home cabling solution, installation will vary depending on the nbn™ access network technology available to the property, and that some safety-critical devices such as medical alarms, fire alarms and lift emergency phones may not be compatible with the nbn™ access network^.

Contact a registered cabler

Only registered cablers can perform in-home cabling work for a home or business owner to connect their property to the nbn™ broadband access network. A list of registered cablers can be found at the Australian Registered Cablers website*.

Go to the Australian Registered Cablers website
Additional in-home cabling may be needed when connecting homes to the nbn access network.

Information for registered cablers

When installing in-home cabling, registered cablers should follow these steps.
Step 1

Start by talking to the homeowner

Speak with the property owner first about their phone and internet service needs. 

For new properties

When you and the new development property owner have chosen where the phone and data points (and any other connections) will be, mark these on the construction plans. 

Download file
Homeowners and builders guide
This guide assists building owners in planning for the nbn™ equipment with their builders.
Download (PDF - 1.6 MB)
Step 2

Check the technology

As each technology is different in the nbn™ Multi Technology Mix (MTM), you will need to adhere to the relevant cabling guidelines before you start work. Simply check your address to find out which technology is being used at your premises. 

Step 3

Download the guidelines

Please note that that all work must adhere to nbn™ standards (in accordance with Australian Standards AS/CA S009 2013).

The following guidelines are for builders and cablers, and outline the requirements for setting up the premises to complete the connection to the nbn™ access network. This includes internal and external conduit paths, and utility box separations.  

For new properties

Download file
Cabling requirements for FTTP
For nbn™ Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)
Download (PDF - 1.2 MB)
Download file
Cabling requirements for FTTN
For nbn™ Fibre to the Node (FTTN)
Download (PDF - 669 KB)
Download file
Cabling requirements for HFC
For nbn™ Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC)
Download (PDF - 520 KB)
Download file
Cabling requirements Copper to the MDF
For nbn™ Copper to the Main Distribution Frame (MDF)
Download (PDF - 497 KB)

For existing properties

Registered cablers are authorised to move, remove or alter nbn™ equipment in residential and small business premises.

The modifications carried out must adhere to nbn™ standards and be completed in accordance with nbn’s Authority to Alter guide for each of the technologies in the nbn™ Fixed Line network.

Download file
nbn's authority to alter guide
16 September 2020
Download (PDF - 2.3 MB)

Additional considerations

In addition to the in-home cabling, some registered cablers may be asked by developers or builders to undertake other cabling work to help in the development of the nbn™ access network. This might include Lead-in Conduit (LIC), pit and pipe, and pathways.

Information about how to install these street connections can be found in our build process section about new property developments.

For any changes to in-home cabling, you can still refer to the nbn™ cabling guidelines on this page.

If you have a planned demolition and require nbn™ supplied equipment to be removed (such as a connection box, associated cables and other equipment), visit the Commercial Works page and complete the application form. Someone from the Commercial Works team will be in contact to help provide you with assistance and to inform you of any associated costs to complete the work.

Renovations or demolition may require the modification or relocation of nbn™ access network cables and equipment. You are not authorised to remove, alter or modify any nbn network equipment, however you may be able to engage a registered cabler to complete this work under nbn’s Authority to Alter guidelines. nbn would need to recover from you the cost of any damage or alteration to nbn network equipment which you or your contractors do which is not authorised, agreed and paid for under a Commercial Works arrangement referred to above. 

*
Please note: nbn does not provide accreditation for the companies listed on this website (or other companies who may be capable of providing the services), nor should the inclusion of a link on this website be construed as an endorsement from nbn.
^
The rollout of the nbn™ access network will involve new technologies, and some existing devices including many medical alarms, may not be compatible with these at all times. You should contact your equipment provider to find out if your alarm or other equipment will work when connected to the nbn™ access network and what alternative solutions are available. For more information, visit nbn.com.au/compatibility