As NBN speeds ramp up and hardware evolves, builders who skip proper preinstall planning risk delays, rework and unhappy clients. Here’s what to watch as NBN introduces smaller NTDs and faster broadband tiers:
The Shrinking NTD — Mind the Hole Size!
Just a heads up, this only applies to areas getting connected via FTTP (Fibre to the Premises). That’s mostly new builds in greenfield estates, some knockdown rebuilds (KDRB) where the local tech has already been upgraded, and high-rise apartments being provisioned with an NBN service. If you’re building in these spots, it’s worth paying attention now to avoid headaches later.
Getting the Details Right: NBN’s New NTD and What It Means for Builders:
- The electrician’s standard wall penetration may need to be considered more carefully.
- The new-look NTD is slimmer, sleeker, and won’t cover up sloppy cut-outs like the old one did.
- NBN’s on the same page! Faster, neater installs are the future, and getting it right from the start just makes you look and feel good.
Designed for the Modern Home
As contractors working closely with builders and homeowners, we at One Wire know just how much effort goes into balancing functionality with aesthetics in new builds.
These new boxes are small enough to fit neatly in a hallway, study or main living area without drawing attention. That means no more awkward installations behind doors, inside cupboards, or out in the garage just to keep them out of sight.
It’s a small touch, but one that shows NBN Co is starting to think about how technology looks and feels, not just how it functions.
The Same Role, Just Better Delivered
Functionally, the unit still performs the same role: it connects the fibre line into the home and links to the user’s router. But its new form factor makes it much easier to work with, especially in homes where space is at a premium.
From a technical standpoint, it’s a subtle change. From a user experience and installation standpoint, it’s a leap forward.
Why This Matters
For us, this isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade, it’s a positive sign of what’s to come.
“These upgrades are about delivering a better in-home experience and supporting the growing demands of digital life,” an NBN representative said in a recent fibre upgrade update. That aligns with what we’re seeing on the ground: faster networks, smarter deployments, and now, more thoughtful hardware.
At One Wire, we see this as a reflection of NBN’s broader commitment to full-fibre rollouts and smarter infrastructure. It’s these types of changes, small in appearance but big in impact, that continue to move the industry forward.
Our Take
We welcome this update with open arms. Anything that helps builders deliver a cleaner finish, reduces install complexity, and improves customer satisfaction is a win in our books.
As more of these new-gen boxes are rolled out across the country, we’ll be right there helping ensure homes are not just connected, but future-ready.
If you’re building a new home or getting things ready for an NBN FTTP service, it’s worth having a quick look at NBN’s guide, it covers all the key standards and info to help you get it right from the start.
Link to nbns Residential preparation and installation standard.
Not really the “I enjoy reading standards” type? No stress, just hit the Contact Us button and we’ll help you sort it out.