Getting Internet Connected to Your New Home in Australia

Moving into a new house is an exciting and thrilling experience, but it can also be a busy and stressful time. With so many tasks to complete, from unpacking boxes to setting up furniture, it is easy to overlook one of the most essential services for modern living: internet connectivity.

Having a reliable internet connection at your new home is crucial for various reasons, including staying in touch with family and friends, accessing important information and managing daily tasks. A stable internet connection is also necessary for work, education and entertainment purposes, making it an absolute necessity.

Getting your new home connected to the internet as soon as possible can help alleviate some of the stress associated with moving and make the transition to your new space smoother. A comprehensive guide to setting up internet at your new home can help you navigate the process, ensuring you have a seamless and efficient experience. This includes choosing the right internet service provider, selecting the appropriate internet plan and scheduling a timely installation.

Australia’s National Broadband Network (NBN) rollout reached a significant milestone in late December 2020, with the project being officially declared “built and fully operational”. This milestone marked the completion of the initial build phase, which had been years in the making.

However, the completion of the initial build did not signal the end of the NBN’s development. Since the official completion, NBN Co has continued to undertake ongoing upgrade and expansion work to enhance the network’s capabilities and reach. These efforts have focused on improving the speed, reliability and accessibility of the NBN, ensuring that it remains a vital component of Australia’s digital infrastructure.

As a result, the NBN has continued to evolve and improve, with NBN Co investing in new technologies and infrastructure to support the growing demands of Australian households and businesses.

To get your new home connected to the internet in Australia, first check the NBN availability at your new address using the NBN website’s address checker tool. If the NBN is available, contact your preferred internet service provider to discuss plans and arrange for connection. This may involve having your NBN box installed or an existing one transferred and setting up a Wi-Fi router.

The process of getting connected to the internet involves several steps.

1. Checking NBN availability is the first step. This can be done by visiting the NBN website and using their “Check your address” tool. This tool will tell you if the NBN network is available at your new address and what technology type is being used. The NBN rollout map can also be checked to see if your area is in a purple (service available), brown (rollout in progress) or white (work not started/planned) area.
2. Choosing an internet service provider is the next step. Research and select an internet service provider that offers plans in your area. Popular providers in Australia include Telstra, Optus, Dodo, TPG and iiNet, among others. Consider factors like speed, data allowance, price and contract terms when making your decision.
3. Arranging connection involves contacting your chosen ISP to discuss your needs and choose a plan. They will guide you through the process of connecting to the NBN network. If you’re moving from another address, you may need to transfer your existing service or arrange for disconnection at your old address. A technician may need to be booked to install or activate the NBN equipment, especially in new builds.
4. Setting up your equipment is the next step. Your ISP will likely provide you with an NBN box and a modem/router. The NBN box needs to be connected to the NBN network, usually via a wall outlet and the modem/router needs to be connected to the NBN box. The modem/router settings need to be configured according to your ISP’s instructions to create your Wi-Fi network. If the NBN power supply for the NBN box is missing, a replacement can be obtained from Campad Electronics.
5. Connecting your devices involves connecting your devices, such as computers, phones and smart TVs, to your Wi-Fi network. You may need to enter the Wi-Fi password provided by your modem/router. Ensure your devices are compatible with the Wi-Fi standard, with Wi-Fi 5 or above recommended for optimal performance.
6. Potential issues that may arise include specific requirements regarding internet connections if you’re moving into a new build. Your builder or developer may have specific requirements and sometimes a user contribution charge may apply and be passed on to you by your provider. If you encounter any issues, contact your ISP for support.