We're with Spark for our broadband (VDSL) and have a mobile account shared with 2 other phones and 2 tablets. We've been advised that fibre is available in our street now so I went online to place an order. We've go a Ubiquiti network (USG and two UAP's) and I don't need another modem to add to the collection. When choosing the "No contract, no modem" option when placing the fibre order, the $299 connection is added as an upfront cost.

I've had an online chat with a Spark representative but all they advised was, "The fees include the install of fibre, includes 3 appts, where the techs need to come out to your address.".

According the Chorus, fibre costs are free but when I pointed this out, the response from the CSR was "Its free to our customers who sign up on a contract term". I did point out that the fee did seem excessive compared to other ISPs who offer no-contract plan, from Free to $99.

So, why the connection fee and what does the $299 cover?