As at mid-2021, some customers with slower performing connections are unable to receive speeds of 25 Mbps.66 They are usually those connected to the network by FTTN technology. FTTN uses copper wires to connect the 'last mile' between a broadband node and the premises. Some of the copper can be particularly old, or the links especially long. The average line is around 450 m long, but the further away from the node a user is, the slower their connection because of attenuation (reducing signal amplitude over longer distances). Speeds tend to particularly reduce on copper lines over 1,000 m long.
By contrast, FTTC tends to deliver faster and more consistent speeds with greater reliability than FTTN.67 There is a simple upgrade pathway from FTTN to FTTC that involves relocating optical fibre closer to the boundary of the premises than the road. This still involves considerable civil works and cost but is faster, simpler and less expensive than an FTTP upgrade.
An ongoing NBN program focuses on especially damaged, old or long copper lines. Either they are replaced or the network connection is brought closer to the customer's home using FTTP or FTTC technology. These line upgrades provide immediate and transformative improvements to connection speeds.