We have been on NBN FTTN for close to 2 years now. If the copper goes by the most obvious route (and I don't know if it does or not), then the node is about 570m from us. Maximum sync rate is about 62/33 Mbps down/up, but we have no need for speed and are on the cheapest plan our RSP offers which is 25/5 Mbps with 100GB monthly data quota for AUD55 per month.
Last time I checked, probably close to a year ago, we were using only 10GB per month. When we first cut over to NBN we were paying AUD10 less per month for I think it was 50GB per month (still way more than we were using). However, NBNco decided they were not getting enough per month from each user on average, so re-jigged the wholesale prices to push customers onto more expensive plans (I guess the AUD50+ billion has to come from somewhere).
At least our connection has been rock-solid - no problems at all, in contrast to some of our immediate neighbours, including a 90+ year old woman who only wanted a "home phone" but was left stranded without for six months.
Certainly there are cheaper alternatives for our meagre needs, but I really can't be bothered.