“As of 26 October 2021, NBN co has purchased 361,451.33 kilometres of optical fibre,” it said in Senate Estimate Questions on Notice.
“The relatively small amount of copper purchased (61,102km) is largely used to connect the new optical fibre to existing legacy networks.” In October 2015, NBN kicked off with 1,800kms of copper, subsequently increased to 15,000kms and 16,600kms, and by February 2019 was sitting at almost 30,000kms. NBN has previously said the copper is used for links between existing pillars and new nodes, as well as for extensions on fibre-to-the-curb deployments (FttC) for lead-ins to reach the FttC distribution point unit. Last week, NBN revealed it replaced 21,000 FttC connection devices in the six weeks to mid-November, as lightning has continued to fry the boxes. On Monday, NBN released its second sustainability report and pledged to purchase 100% renewable energy by December 2025, as well as have 20% renewable energy, around 80GWh annually, by the end of fiscal year 2023. It also said it would reduce energy use by 25GWh annually in the next four years, and would use electric or hybrids vehicles where it could by 2030.

NBN replaced over 21,000 FttC connection devices in six weeks to mid-NovemberSuperloop and Vodafone lagging when NBN gets busiestKate McKenzie shifts to NBN chair as Switkowski departs at year endWhen NBN promo deals end, customers and telcos revert to old speedsLabor commits to making AU$2.4b ‘investment’ to extend on-demand FttN upgrades