Checklist: How to Ensure Your Development is Smart Home Ready

As the urban centres and regional stretches of Australia get connected to fast and efficient broadband services, there is one expectation at the top of all home owners’ and investors’ lists for necessary property features: connectivity.

According to research, 80% of buyers say that a reliable broadband connection is a key consideration when searching for a property and 65% would consider negotiating a lower price if they can’t get the broadband that they need (stated by the nbn™ ready Homes Report, 2016).

Imagine advertising a brand new development with a carefully designed combination of lifestyle amenities and innovative design elements, without a reliable internet service option – it may leave potential purchasers seeking alternative options.

Smart homes now rely on broadband networks, such as the nbn™ access network, for security, utility and a range of modern comforts. Everything from smart energy to climate-controlled rooms can be made more efficient through a fast and reliable internet provider – making connectivity even more important for purchasers.

While it might seem like an obvious choice for developers to sell connectivity as an essential component of a new development – often the details and processes involved in connecting a new property are forgotten about or left until the last minute.

Although fast and reliable internet connection is more accessible than it ever has been, there are some essential steps needed to bring your development online and have it connected from start to finish.

Step 1: Apply early

Modern broadband technology is complex, meaning that the application process for installing a network may take more time and require more information from the developer.

For example, nbn asks that you apply at least 6 months before your required service date, to ensure the nbn™ broadband access network can and will be connected in time for new residents or tenants.

Developers should think about incorporating the nbn™ broadband access network early in the planning process – ideally, once a project has initial permits or has appointed a builder.

To apply visit nbn.com.au/newdevelopments.

Step 2: Know what’s required

It is important that developers remain well educated on up-to-date regulation requirements for their properties and developments. Developers should talk to their builders and prepare their site for the delivery of required broadband infrastructure.

The size and form of a development will also determine whether it needs to design and install pathways or implement pit and pipe infrastructure. For new developments, nbn has recently announced a training program that gives designers and installers the skills and expertise to become a trained supplier to streamline this process.

An nbn™ trained New Developments supplier has access to fast-track reviews and approvals, and will not incur fees for design reviews and pit and pipe inspections. nbn can also assist developers in understanding the requirements, costs and timelines to ensure telecommunications are installed when needed. You can contact nbn via newdevelopments@nbnco.com.au to get more information on the requirements.

Step 3: Prepare your site

The next step is to prepare your site to enable nbn to deliver the nbn™ infrastructure. For apartments you will need to design and install pathways and for single dwelling units you will need pit and pipe infrastructure. It’s best to talk to your builder to ensure they follow the nbn guidelines, which are also available on the nbn website.

Once the relevant designs have been completed, developers can submit them to nbn for review. This ensures developers build to the right specification for network installation and works commence sooner.

Step 4: Build the site

When nbn has approved your designs, commence building your nbn™ infrastructure. There are three ways broadband access – specifically the nbn™ access network – can be included in a development stage: Lead-in Conduits (LICs), pit and pipe or pathways.

It is the developer’s, or their representative's responsibility to build the infrastructure to nbn standards, in order to install the nbn™ access network. Once the building is completed, nbn can arrange a site visit to check if the broadband access is ‘fit for purpose’.

Step 5: Install your selling point

Once the developer has received a Certificate of Practical Completion nbn will coordinate the installation of the nbn™ access network.

Once the nbn™ infrastructure has been installed, the developer can arrange for a pre-installation of home equipment so that residents can connect via an internet service provider and have services ready when they move in.

An nbn™ ready development is designed to bring the future to today and helps developers to offer one of the most desirable selling points for any new development on the market.

Considering submitting a new application for nbn™ broadband network access? Read over these important pre-application points and register your new development here.

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