Developers are responsible for providing telecommunications infrastructure to new developments.

It’s important to:

Plan early

In order to meet requirements during the construction phase and obtain the approvals needed, it’s important to start planning as early as possible. 

If you are building a small development, such as a sub-dividing a lot into two residential units, please allow a minimum of three months’ notice before service connections are required.  

For all other developments please allow a minimum of six months’ notice before service connections are required. 

Please note: nbn will endeavour to achieve these timeframes, but cannot guarantee these timeframes in all cases.

Prepare for the nbn New Developments application

Before you start your application, take time to prepare your documents. This will help us accurately assess your development plans.

You’ll need the development address, total number of new nbn connections, the number of eligible non-premises (nbn Smart Places) locations, the development details (including plans) and contact details. Be sure to include the number of non-premises locations in addition to the number of premises locations.

Understand the charges

Under government policy, nbn is required to recover costs of deploying the nbn network by applying a developer contribution charge per premises. Other additional charges may also apply.

You may require a letter of conditional approval (also known as a council letter) that confirms the availability of nbn network infrastructure in your area to support your council application. This letter may be required even if you have not commenced construction.

To receive this letter from us, you must:

1. Submit an nbn New Developments application and complete the online eligibility check.

In accordance with  Australian Government policy, nbn is required to recover cost of deploying the nbn network infrastructure.

Developer contribution charges are applied to each premises that requires a new nbn connection.

Types of applications that the developer contribution charge applies to:

• New dwellings or lots being constructed, typically new buildings requiring a new mailing address 
• Broadacre subdivisions 
• Newly constructed apartments, townhouses or villa units 
• Commercial premises – only for new lots or tenancies created as part of an expansion. 
• Subdivisions – only for the new lots that are created 
• Granny flats/outbuildings – only if they are newly constructed and have a separate address from the primary residence (these instances will require a unique lead in conduit). 
• Knock down rebuild – only if a new address is created. For example: 
  • If you knock down an existing house and create three new addresses, the three new addresses will attract the new developments charge 
  • If you don’t knock down the existing house and create three new addresses (four in total), only the three new addresses will attract the new developments charge. 
  • If you knock down a single house and rebuild a single house in its place – this will not attract a new developments charge. 

The charge is determined on application, and is capped at the following amounts depending on the build type:

• Single Dwelling Unit (SDU): $600 inc. GST per premises
• Multi Dwelling Units (MDU): $400 inc. GST per premises

The backhaul contribution charge may apply for medium to large developments if the nbn network infrastructure required to connect the development is not available. The backhaul contributions charge varies:

• nbn network backhaul already available – no charge
• Backhaul contribution of up to $1,000 per premises – up to 50% of costs
• Backhaul contribution of more than $1,000 per premises – up to 100% of costs over $1,000

We encourage developers (big and small) to seek the assistance and support of an industry professional or an nbn trained New Developments supplier - designer or installer. Ensuring the nbn infrastructure within your property boundary is designed and built to our standards is your responsibility, so working with an expert can be very helpful. 

An nbn trained New Developments supplier can help:

• ensure new development designs and installations are built right first time and to the correct standards
• fast-track the certification process
• get works underway sooner*.

You can go to the nbn New Developments Portal to view the estimated “Ready for Service” date for your development. This is the date from when residents can begin ordering an nbn powered plan from their preferred phone and internet provider. You can track the progress of your application via the nbn New Developments Portal.

Please be aware that this date is subject to change. It is dependent on the complexity of your plans and designs, and certain tasks being submitted on time.

A pre-installation request for the nbn connection box (also known as the Network Termination Device or NTD), can be submitted by developers, builders, authorised representatives on behalf of a developer/builder, or by the owner or occupier of a new development.

The person making the request needs to have the authority of the owner and any other occupier to request the pre-installation, and to give confirm approvals for the required works to be completed at the property. The occupier will place an order for phone and internet independently with their preferred phone or internet provider once the installation is complete.