A renter’s guide to getting nbn connected
Ready to hook up to the nbn™ network? Awesome. But what do you do if you don’t own your own home?
A third of Aussies rent, so it’s important for renters and landlords alike to understand what’s needed, and from whom, to get connected to the nbn.
To help make the process simple, here are four easy steps to follow if you’re renting and you want to get nbn connected.
1. Check your address
Visit Telstra’s address checker at telstra.com.au/broadband/nbn and type your address in the box. This handy tool will show you which areas are already connected to the network which have commenced build and which areas nbn co is preparing to build in.
2. Get consent from your landlord
If you don’t own the property, you may need consent from the owner to have an nbn connection installed, just as you would any changes you potentially make to a rental property.
Depending on the nbn technology available to you, you’ll need to discuss hardware installs with them and get their verbal permission for nbn co to install the following equipment:
- Fixed Wireless: an antenna and utility box on the outside of the property, and a connection box on the inside
- Fibre to the Premise (FTTP): utility box on the outside of the property and a connection box on the inside
- Fibre to the Node (FTTN) and Fibre to the Basement (FTTB): no hardware installation is necessary, simply obtain an NBN compatible router through your Retail Service Provider for connection.
If you’re not in direct contact with your landlord, get in touch with your property manager or real estate agent and they can do this for you.
3. Choose and register with a Retail Service Provider like Telstra
Unless you’re living in a new apartment, it’s likely your home won’t be automatically connected once nbn has arrived in your area. To get this process started, place an order for an nbn service and choose a plan with a Retail Service Provider (RSP), like Telstra.
If required, your RSP will organise an install appointment for you and liaise with nbn co to coordinate the equipment being connected.
It’s your responsibility as a tenant to choose an RSP with a monthly pricing plan that suits your needs and budget.
4. Find a spot for your equipment, get set up and off you go
If you choose to go with Telstra as your RSP, you’ll receive an nbn enabled Telstra modem before your nbn co appointment so you have everything you need to get up and running once your nbn is installed.
FTTP properties
Unfortunately, you won’t get to choose where the external box is placed; this is up to nbn co. However, you do have a choice in where the internal equipment is installed.
Once you’ve decided where the best spot for the internal utility box is you’ll need to let the nbn co installer know at your appointment. If you’re a renter, you’ll need to discuss this with your landlord or their representative to get consent. The Telstra technician will ask you to sign a form confirming you have your landlord’s thumbs up for the installation of the equipment, including the location.
Fixed Wireless properties
If you’re going to be a Fixed Wireless customer, nbn co will also install an outdoor antenna which leads to an outlet inside your house. From this outlet you then connect your standard nbn ready modem, in an area of your choice, to access the network.
FTTN and FTTB properties
For FTTN and FTTB, no on-site installation by nbn co is required, just grab yourself an nbn ready modem compatible router through your RSP to connect and away you go.
And there you have it. Getting your home connected really is as simple as counting to four. To ensure you don’t miss the next season of Game of Thrones or the latest blockbuster, drop into your local Telstra store to chat to the team and get your nbn order in today.
*ABS Data – 4130.0 – Housing Occupancy and Costs, 2013-14
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