$0 NBN FTTP Upgrade — or Is It? The Real Costs, Process & Pitfalls for Businesses
Upgrading to fibre is often advertised as $0, but that “free” part applies to the nbn® network build — not your private property cabling, power, or internal network. Below we unpack common roadblocks we see on real WTCO upgrades, who pays for what, and how to avoid delays.
Promise vs reality of the “$0 upgrade”
What’s usually covered by nbn®: fibre to your boundary and into your premises, provided there’s a usable lead-in conduit and you order an eligible plan. What’s not covered: customer-side pathways, power points, network rack moves, or internal rewiring.
Real-world issues we fix every week
- No usable lead-in conduit — Collapsed/blocked or never installed. NBN pauses the job until a licensed cabler replaces or clears the pathway.
- Lead-in can’t be found — Extensions or landscaping may hide it. Customer needs a new compliant route to the first wall.
- Renovations damaged the route — Driveways/garden walls often require trenching or alternate entry points.
- 12m vs 30m rule — NBN typically allows up to 12m residential and 30m business internally. Racks beyond this distance need additional pathway work.
- Vague technician notes — “Customer pathway required” is common, but rarely includes a diagram. We translate that into a clear scope for your cabler/electrician.
Who pays for what?
| Task | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Fibre delivery to property boundary | nbn® |
| Internal run (typ. up to 12m res / 30m business) | nbn® |
| Conduit repairs/new pathway/trenching | Customer (via cabler/electrician) |
| Wall penetrations & power outlet near NTD | Customer |
| Router/switch/phone system setup | Customer / WTCO |
Typical site-prep costs (guide)
- Conduit clearing/replacement: $150–$600
- Lead-in trench reinstatement: $400–$1,200
- Internal fibre pathway over 30m: $250–$800
- Power outlet near NTD/ONT: $120–$250
- Network relocation/rack tidy: Variable
How WTCO makes it easy Trusted Adviser
- Pre-qualification: Confirm your address & order eligibility.
- On-site audit: We assess conduit, lead-in, internal path, rack & power.
- Liaison & scope: We brief your cabler/electrician (or bring ours) with clear, NBN-compliant instructions to avoid re-visits.
- Gear advice: Right router, UPS, and business-grade setup.
- Install day coordination: We align the NBN tech and contractors so the pathway is ready.
- Cutover & testing: Internet, phones.
FAQs: 30m rule, who to call, downtime & more
Where is the 30m measured from? Generally from the NTD entry to your chosen termination point; if beyond ~30m, a compliant pathway is required.
Who should I book if I don’t have a cabler? Book WTCO — we’ll coordinate a licensed cabler/electrician for you.
Will there be downtime? Minimal if planned; we stage the cutover and keep your existing service until fibre is ready.
WTCO is an NBN business-accredited service provider. We help Western Victorian businesses (and beyond) navigate pathway requirements, coordinate cablers, and cut over with minimal downtime.
Struggling with Poor Communication Systems?
Claim Your FREE 30-Minute Business Communications Strategy Session
(Valued at $880)!
Discover how to boost productivity and get great value—without the sales jargon or years of trial and error. Limited spots available!