A few things you might not know about the nbn™
The nbn™ is Australia’s new broadband network. Services provided over the nbn™ network will be replacing the phone and Internet services provided over most existing landline networks, including copper and the majority of HFC networks within the fixed line footprint. Services provided over existing fibre networks (including in-building, health and education networks) and some special and business services may not be affected.
About now, there are around seven million Australian homes and businesses that are ready to connect to the nbn™ network however only about 50% of building occupants who could be using the nbn™ are doing so – and that gap is starting to get wider.
Worse still, finder.com.au research suggests that around 58% of Australians remain completely unaware that their current telephone and Internet service is going to get switched off if they don’t move their services in time.
Yes, you read that right. Existing landline networks such as copper lines will be switched off. Once a business (or home) receives a notice telling you that you can now connect to the nbn™ network, you have around 18 months to move your services. If you don’t do anything, your telephone and Internet services will get switched off.
Switching to the nbn™ is not an option. You have choices, and a number of alternative technologies exist, but all the options will require you getting a new connection for your business.
It’s not just your business telephone lines and Internet.
In addition, you may have other services running off the old copper-based network- these will also be affected by the switch-off date, including:
- Security alarms
- EFTPOS or health-claim terminals
- Emergency phones located in lifts
What’s more, your services may work differently over nbn™.
There are three key things you need to consider:
- Power outages – without power your telecommunication services and devices will not work
- New devices – some older devices may not work over nbn™g. EFTPOS or fax machines
- Multiple services – if you have multiple handsets, you may require new wiring to keep them working.
From the moment you get your nbn™ connection notice, you have about 18 months to move your service. If you’ve received a notice, you should assess your options now. If you have not yet received a notice, it won’t be far away, with all connections to the nbn™ expected to be complete by 2020.
There is a range of different products available over the nbn™. Apart from speed, there are also performance differences between all services. There are a number of companies offering a fibre alternative to the nbn™ and of course 5G is coming, signalling a powerful future for mobile wireless.
Whatever your situation, you should be in planning mode for your company. Explore your options, take time to understand what your business will need, now and into the future.
Take a close look at the various nbn™ plans and also consider the alternatives available for your business today and prepare for the copper cut off. We can help you understand the options available for your business, and ensure service continuity.
