NBN Co says 'ante-up' to fibre applicants

Want to know if you can get fibre to the home instead of the node? It'll cost at least $300 just to ask the question, under a new “Technology Choice Policy” published by NBN Co.

The former “network extension” policy (which let satellite users ask about fixed wireless upgrades, and fixed wireless areas ask about fibre) was made obsolete by the switch to the multi-technology model.

That policy, captured by the Wayback Machine (here for example) did not appear to require application fees.

The new policy applies a $300 application fee and a $300 design fee for individual network extension applications, while requests to make a change to an area – for example, a town asking for fibre rather than fixed wireless – attracts a $1,000 application fee and design fees “upon application”.

Actual build costs under the new policy will, as before, be based on a bespoke quotation, and could run from thousands of dollars for individuals, and up to one million dollars for an area switch.

Under the new policy, premises or areas slated for fibre to the node or basement can apply for FTTP connections; satellite and fixed wireless connections can be quoted for upgrades.

The policy doesn't cover the hybrid fibre-coax network; that policy will be developed in time for the commercial launch of HFC services in 2016.

Don't bother trying to game the rollout process: NBN Co explicitly states that technology switch applications aren't accepted for customers or areas trying to alter the rollout schedule.

The Register also notes that the new policy offers the most candid statement regarding rollout schedules we've seen since the 2013 election. There is no specific target for completion of the network build, only this commitment:

“NBN Co is required to make download speeds of up to 25Mbps (with equivalent upload speeds) available to all Australian premises, and download speeds of up to 50Mbps (with equivalent upload speeds) to 90 per cent of fixed-line premises as quickly as possible.” ®