NBN Installation – What to Expect

Getting NBN installed for the first time? Here’s everything you need to know about the installation process, what the technician does, and how to prepare.

Do You Need an Installation?

Not everyone needs a technician visit. Here’s how to tell:

No Technician Needed

  • NBN already installed at your address
  • Transferring from another NBN provider
  • Previous tenant had NBN
  • Most FTTN/FTTC connections

Just plug in your modem and go!

Technician Required

  • New build or development
  • First NBN connection at address
  • New FTTP or HFC connection
  • Equipment needs installing/moving

NBN Co will send a technician

The Appointment

Not everyone needs a technician visit. Here’s how to tell:

Booking Your Installation

When you sign up with GoTroppo and installation is required:

  1. We’ll check if your address needs a technician visit
  2. If needed, we’ll arrange an appointment with NBN Co
  3. You’ll receive an SMS/email with your appointment window
  4. Appointments are usually in 4-hour windows (e.g., 8am-12pm or 12pm-5pm)

Someone Must Be Home

Important: An adult (18+) must be present for the entire appointment. The technician may need access to:

  • Inside your home (to install the connection box)
  • The side of your house (for external cabling)
  • Your roof or wall cavities (in some cases)

If no one is home, you’ll need to reschedule – and there may be a fee.

What the Technician Does

The installation process varies depending on your connection type:

FTTP (Fibre to the Premises)

The technician will:

  1. Run fibre optic cable from the street to your home
  2. Install an NBN Connection Box (NTD) inside your home
  3. Mount it on a wall (usually near a power point)
  4. Test the connection

Time: Usually 2-4 hours

The NBN Box is a small white device about the size of a paperback book. It needs power and should stay plugged in at all times.

HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial)

The technician will:

  1. Connect the existing coaxial cable to the NBN network
  2. Install an NBN Connection Device (NCD)
  3. This connects via the round coaxial cable
  4. Test the connection

Time: Usually 1-3 hours

If you had Foxtel: The same cable network is often used, but the technician may need to install new equipment or adjust connections.

Fixed Wireless

The technician will:

  1. Install an outdoor antenna on your roof
  2. Run cabling from antenna to inside
  3. Install an indoor connection device
  4. Align antenna to the nearest NBN tower
  5. Test signal strength and connection

Time: Usually 2-4 hours

Roof access: The technician will need safe access to your roof. Clear any obstacles and ensure pets are secured.

Before the Appointment

Preparation Checklist

  • Decide where you want the NBN box – Near your computer/entertainment area, with a power point nearby
  • Clear access – Move furniture away from the installation area
  • Secure pets – Keep dogs/cats contained during the visit
  • Identify your phone point – If you have FTTN/FTTC/FTTB
  • Know where your fuse box is – Technician may need to check power
  • Have your modem ready – To test once installation is complete

Choosing NBN Box Location

You can usually request where the NBN equipment is installed. Consider:

Good Locations

  • Near where you’ll use your router
  • Central location in your home
  • Near a power outlet
  • Home office or media room

Avoid

  • Garages or sheds (temperature/dust)
  • Bathrooms or laundries (moisture)
  • Hidden areas hard to access
  • Behind heavy furniture

On the Day

Preparation Checklist

  1. Technician arrives – They should have ID and explain what they’ll do
  2. Site assessment – They’ll check the best route for cables
  3. Discuss location – Confirm where you want the equipment
  4. Installation work – May involve drilling, running cables
  5. Testing – They’ll verify the connection is working
  6. Completion – They’ll show you the installed equipment

Note: The NBN technician installs the NBN equipment only. They don’t set up your modem/router or WiFi – that’s your responsibility (or we can help you through it!).

After Installation

Once the technician leaves:

  1. Wait for activation – This can take 15 minutes to a few hours
  2. Connect your modem – Plug it into the NBN equipment via ethernet cable
  3. Power on – Turn on your modem and wait for lights to stabilise
  4. Connect your devices – Via WiFi or ethernet
  5. Test your connection – Browse the web, run a speed test
GoTroppo Modem Setup Guide

Common Questions

Standard NBN installation by NBN Co is usually free. However, if you need complex work (like extra-long cable runs or additional connection points), there may be charges. We’ll let you know if any costs apply before booking.

Contact us as soon as possible if you need to change your appointment. Rescheduling with at least 24 hours notice is usually free. Missed appointments may incur a fee.

Unfortunately, NBN Co appointments are in 4-hour windows. You can’t choose an exact time, but you’ll receive a notification when the technician is on their way.

The NBN technician only tests that the NBN connection works. They connect a test device to verify the line, but setting up your modem and WiFi is your responsibility. Our support team can help!

Sometimes issues like asbestos, locked access, or complex building situations prevent completion. The technician will explain the issue and NBN Co will work with you to resolve it. We’ll keep you informed.

Contact Us

Need Help?

Questions about your installation or need to reschedule? Get in touch!

Contact Us Today