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A Complete Guide to NBN Lead-In Cable Installation


By Ned McRae


There's usually a lot of confusion regarding NBN lead-in cable installation due to the involvement of a complex system of wires and switchboards.

Don't worry, though, because SpinTel is here to provide you with everything you need to know about NBN lead-in cable installation — from the basics to the frequently asked questions. Let’s first start with taking a closer look at the lead-in cable.

What is a Lead-In Cable?

A lead-in cable connects your home or office (property's boundary) to the carrier's network. This network allows phone and internet services to your home. One end of the cable connects to the pit or pole in the street, and the other end to the network boundary point or NBP.

Licensed technicians may install the lead-in cable in two ways. This installation type depends on whether the carrier is an underground or aerial network. If your street has pits and pipe infrastructure, then it will be buried beneath (underground). If not, they will install the cable above ground (aerial) or under the electrical line on the telegraph poles.

NBN Lead-In Cable Installation

An NBN lead-in cable installation is the process of connecting your home or office to Australia's national broadband network (NBN). Most NBN lead-in cable installation is done underground, within a trench, for safety reasons.

Underground NBN lead-in cable installation provides maximum protection from any interference. Furthermore, most new NBN lead-in cables are packed with a gel-like substance to keep out moisture. In some Australian regions, these cables have a hardened sheath to withstand ant and rat bites.

NBN Lead-In Cable Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide

There tends to be a lot of information around the actual NBN lead-in cable installation that can be difficult to keep up with. You can try, but understanding a complex procedure involving wires, cables, and switchboards might take time, especially if you lack prior knowledge. Hence, you better leave the job in the hands of technicians or licensed telecommunications contractors. After all, they are there to do the job for our peace of mind.

However, there are some basics that you can keep in mind for your property to be NBN-ready.

Step 1

Check whether the NBN is already available in your place or area. If NBN is already available in your place, then it's time you choose an NBN plan that fits your plan and needs.

Step 2

The next step would be to prepare your place for the NBN lead-in cable installation. Before the installment, you need to coordinate with the installer regarding the location of the NBN equipment. Some points to remember are that the NBN equipment must be located:

  • somewhere you can safely run the fiber from the utility box without needing special access

  • on the inside surface of an exterior or easily-accessible wall

  • near a safe power source

  • away from hazards (such as busy areas where it can be damaged)

  • in a cool, dry, well-ventilated (area should be 100mm on all sides), and out of direct sunlight area

  • in an accessible space for troubleshooting

  • in an accessible space for port access

Step 3

Aside from checking where you should place the NBN requirement or equipment, you may also want to consider these situations before installing the NBN equipment:

  • potential renovation of your home or property for possible relocation

  • potential need for extra cabling

  • restrictions from pre-existing telecommunication infrastructure

  • infrastructures in place that may pre-determine the location of the NBN equipment

  • device distance and location for a possible wireless connection to the NBN equipment

Step 4

On the day of the NBN lead-in cable installation, the process starts with the lead-in and internal placement, mounting and installation of equipment, activation, testing of equipment, and cleaning up. This step is where all the technicalities lie, so it would be best to leave this entirely to the licensed technician.


Who is responsible for the Lead-In Cable Installation?

The network, in this case, NBN, is responsible for supplying the network to your home, business property. Using the lead-in conduit, they will connect your home to the network (NBN). However, you will be responsible for supplying or excavating the trench or conduit to the Property Entry Point (PEP).


From that point forward, the network will be responsible again for connecting your lead-in from PEP to the pit. You can also hire a certified contractor to save time during the process. It's no big deal since most NBN users, nearly 40%, avail themselves of a private NBN lead-in cable installation.

When should you have a Lead-In Cable installation?

Unless your home already has a lead-in cable installed, you won't have to call for an NBN lead-in cable installation service. However, suppose you request a new phone, cable, or bundle internet service. In that case, you're likely to need a new lead-in cable installed, especially if your home underwent any of these:

  • Your home or property never had cable internet or home phone connection before.

  • Your home or property underwent a renovation.

  • Your home or property was knocked down and rebuilt.

  • You transferred to a new home or property.

To Summarize

A lead-in cable installation mainly needs the assistance of an expert. That's the first and most important thing you need to know about NBN lead-in cable installation. It has to be done by registered cablers that adhere to the NBN guidelines. These guidelines involve preparing your property checklist and cabling resources.

However, before proceeding with the NBN lead-in cable installation, you must first select an NBN plan that meets your plan and needs. SpinTel delivers only the most suitable NBN plan for you, your family, and your business. We offer consumable NBN plans as well as unique and special bundle offerings. These NBN plans are guaranteed to be seamless, superfast, and affordable. Our awards throughout the years speak up for our NBN services and exceptional customer service.

Get in touch with us today and let us know about your internet plans and demands. We're here to help and get you connected!

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