Changing nbn providers: your step-by-step guide
Changing to Telstra from another nbn provider is easy. Here’s what you need to know.
5 minute read
Change to Telstra nbn
Check your address, choose a plan and we'll do the rest.
Thinking of changing your nbn provider?
There are a variety of reasons you may wish to change your internet service provider (ISP). It might be an enticing deal or promotion, the appeal of a new modem or faster speeds, or being dissatisfied with the service level you're currently receiving.
If you're thinking about switching to Telstra, you'll be glad to know that changing providers doesn't mean you'll experience a disruption to your connection. Your existing nbn service can stay connected until your new Telstra service is ready to commence.
When it's ready, we'll even notify your existing provider and arrange for the existing service to be cancelled.
All you need to do is choose a Telstra nbn plan, sign up online and let us know your existing account details. But let's go a little deeper, and cover some common questions and hesitations when it comes to changing ISPs.
Check your current contract
Before you start looking at other service providers, the first thing to find out is whether you're still in a contract period with your current provider.
Even if your plan has no lock-in period, you may have received a modem at no cost. Often, this is on the condition you remain with a provider for either one or two years.
If you’re unsure, it’s worth checking with your provider to see if there are any fees or charges for terminating your service with them.
Choose a plan that's right for you
Telstra offers four main plan tiers. Each plan tier dictates the typical download speeds you’ll be capable of receiving and how many people it can support using the internet at one time.
- Basic: 25Mbps typical download speeds between 7pm-11pm. Suitable for small households of 1-3 people browsing the web, video streaming in SD, emails & social media.
- Essential: 50Mbps typical download speeds between 7pm-11pm. Suitable for households of 4-7 people browsing the web and social media, and one device streaming HD video.
- Premium: 100Mbps typical download speeds between 7pm-11pm. Supports 6 or more people browsing, streaming in UltraHD, serious gaming applications and concurrent file downloading.
- Ultimate: 250Mbps typical download speeds between 7pm-11pm. Supports 6-9 people using high-demand connected devices and a single person streaming 8K video with multiple other devices streaming HD or lower resolutions.
Some customers may even be able to get extra speeds with the Ultrafast Add On, with typical download speeds of 700Mbps between 7pm-11pm, depending on the type of nbn connection you have.
When considering a plan, it's important to note that plans available to you are dictated by the type of nbn connection you have, and this connection type does not change when you change ISPs. For example, Ultimate internet is only supported by Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) and some Hyrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) connections.
You'll see that the first step of signing up to an nbn plan is entering your address. Upon doing so, you'll be shown the type of nbn connection you have, along with the Telstra nbn plans that are available at your address.
Whichever plan you sign up up to, the speeds you experience may be lower due to various factors including your in-home setup and wiring.
I'm ready to choose a plan. What do I do now?
When you know which Telstra nbn plan you'd like to select, simply sign up online and enter in your details.
You'll be asked if you have an existing nbn connection. Here, you can share details of your current nbn provider and your account number. Make sure the account is in your name and that all the details match, otherwise we may not be able to process your request.
You won't need to notify your existing nbn provider that you wish to cancel your service. When your Telstra connection is ready, we will notify them on your behalf and your old service will be cancelled.
As you already have an nbn connection, in most cases an nbn technician won't need to come to your home. We'll send you a Telstra Smart Modem, which you can expect to receive within 5 - 7 business days. We'll then notify you when your Telstra service is ready to be connected.
Note, if you're porting a landline telephone number across to Telstra as part of your nbn connection, the porting process will take longer.
Changing to Telstra is easy
-
Choose your nbn plan
Check your address and choose the Telstra plan that's right for you. -
Check you're out of contract
Make sure you're out of contract with your current provider to avoid cancellation fees. -
Sign up and we'll do the rest
We'll connect your Telstra nbn service and cancel your old service when it's time to change over.
Why choose Telstra for nbn
In addition to a fast and reliable connection, there are many great reasons to choose Telstra for your nbn service:
- Australia’s most popular nbn provider: We connect over 3 million homes and small businesses to the nbn network.
- No lock in contracts: Our simplified nbn and mobile plans come with no lock in periods. You can change plans or cancel your plan at any time.
- If you cancel your service within the first 24 months, you’ll just need to pay out the remaining monthly payments on your modem.
- Telstra Smart Modem: You’ll receive Telstra’s own Smart Modem for no charge. It delivers a strong, powerful Wi-Fi signal and has 4G back up – keeping you connected if the nbn network has an outage.
- Get rewarded with Telstra Plus: Our loyalty program lets you earn rewards points every time you pay your bill. Redeem points for the latest tech gear and accessories. Discover Telstra Plus
- $0 connection fee: Sign up online and you’ll pay $0 connection fee (a saving of $99).
Stream your heart out on a Telstra nbn plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Choose a Telstra nbn plan, sign up online and let us know that you currently have an active nbn service with another provider when you're signing up.
When your Telstra connection is ready, we’ll notify your current provider and cancel your nbn service with them.
No, you do not need to cancel your current nbn connection before signing up to a Telstra nbn plan. Sign up with us first, and when your Telstra connection is ready we'll notify your current nbn provider and cancel your old service.
Note: Be sure to check that your contract with your current nbn provider has ended. Otherwise, you may be liable for early termination fees.
There may be a small period of downtime between your current nbn service switching off and your Telstra nbn service being activated. During this time, you can connect your Telstra Smart Modem and access the internet via its 4G backup.
Note: If you’re also bringing a landline number across to Telstra, you will not be able to receive incoming calls on this number until the changeover occurs.
We won't start charging you until your nbn service is active with us. By this stage, we will have notified your current provider of the cancellation of your service.
If your current provider charges you in advance, check with them to see if you will receive a refund on any unused days of service.