Understanding nbn's New Development Charge

If you've received a notice about a "New Development Charge" (sometimes called the New Development Fee) when placing an order, here's what it means and when it applies.

What it is

Since 1 April 2016, nbn may charge a fee to cover the cost of deploying network infrastructure to a location for the very first time. This applies where a site is considered a "new development," meaning nbn hasn't previously built infrastructure to that exact address.

For current pricing, please refer to the Partner Portal.

When it applies

This charge may apply if the Location ID falls into any of the following:

• A new dwelling that hasn't previously had an nbn connection

• A lot under reconstruction

• A lot with no existing nbn infrastructure

• A building that requires a new mailing address

How it's charged

This is a one-time charge per address, not something reissued with every order. Specifically:

• It's invoiced to whichever Connect Order is the first to successfully complete at that Location ID.

• Once it's been paid at an address, it won't be charged again for future connections at the same address, provided the number of dwellings hasn't increased.

• By placing a Connect Order at a Location ID flagged this way, you're acknowledging that your order may be invoiced this charge if it turns out to be the first to complete there.

If this fee was already paid previously

If the New Development Charge was already paid to a different provider at this same address, it shouldn't need to be paid again. However, nbn requires proof of that prior payment (such as a receipt) to waive it. Without this proof, nbn may charge it again regardless of whether it was paid before.

Need more detail?

For current pricing, and to check whether a specific address has already had this charge applied, please refer to the Partner Portal or reach out to our Support Team.