The most common questions asked about the National Broadband Network have been flagged, ahead of Wodonga and Beechworth’s change to the system. 

Head of NBN Local Victoria and Tasmania, Ebony Aitken, said Wodonga residents would need switch to the NBN by June when the old network is disconnected, while the NBN will go live in Beechworth in April. 

Miss Aitken said it was important people understood what the network change over meant for them so they weren’t left behind.

She said even if residents were simply wanting to use a landline and not the internet, they had to move to the NBN, but many people were still unaware of that aspect. 

She said 18 months after the network emerged  in an area. the old system was switched off, and existing landlines were decommissioned. 

Miss Aitken said many people were also not aware they had a choice of speeds or providers to sign up with, despite connection being possible already in many areas.

“The deadline for homes and businesses in parts of Wangaratta to switch their landline phone and internet services over to the NBN broadband access network is looming, with the existing copper network in the area due to start being decommissioned in some areas later this month,” she said. 

“While in Wodonga, the existing copper network in the area will start being disconnected in June.”

Miss Aitken said more than 200 resident attended drop-in sessions throughout the North East, with the majority of people who were already connected to a plan wanting to know how to fix slow speeds or get the best out of their existing plan. 

The most common questions to NBN during drop-in sessions, answered by NBN.

How do I find out when the copper network is going to be decommissioned at my home or business?

People can find out when the disconnection of old telephone and internet network in the area will commence at their address by using the Check Your Address function at www.nbnco.com.au/switch.

How do I know whether I can connect to services over the nbn™ access network at my home or business?

People can find out whether they are eligible to connect and register for updates by using the Check Your Address function at www.nbnco.com.au/switch.

Who do I contact to connect to services over the nbn™ access network?

More than 150 different phone or internet providers across Australia sell nbn services and nbn recommends that residents and businesses shop around for a plan that best suits their needs. A list of providers can be found on the nbn website:www.nbnco.com.au/connect-home/service-providers

Do I have a choice of speeds when I connect to services over the nbn™ access network ?

Many people are not aware that for the first time in history they have a choice of speeds when connecting to services over the nbn™ access network. This is why we recommend you talk to your phone or internet provider about the speed tiers available in your area, as well as the actual speeds you can expect to experience, particularly during peak times like the evening, to ensure you are signing up for a plan which best suits your needs. You should also keep in mind that 25 megabits or above is considered a superfast broadband speed. A retail plan based on nbn’s wholesale 12/1 speed tier is not considered superfast and is likely to be comparable with your current ADSL service.  

If I am experiencing an issue, who do I contact?

You need to contact your phone or internet provider in the first instance. The role of the nbn is to build and maintain the access network and provide wholesale services to phone and internet providers.

Your provider knows the ins and outs of your specific plan and connection and will help fix any issues once you’ve connected to services over the nbn™ access network. If your provider is unable to find a fault within your premise or their own network, they will escalate it to nbn and we will work with your provider to resolve it.  

Do I have to connect to services over the nbn™ access network? I only use a landline phone and I don’t use the internet.

In most cases, you will still need to connect to services over the nbn™ access network even if you just have a landline. Once the nbn broadband access network goes live in a particular area, there is an 18 month window to contact a phone or internet provider and connect. After this time, the nbn™ access network will replace most existing landline phone and internet services and the copper network will be decommissioned.

The 18 month disconnection window does not apply to those areas covered by an nbn fixed wireless or satellite service who can choose to retain their existing copper service if they wish.

Will my landline telephone work during a power blackout once I have connected to services over the nbn™ access network?

Equipment connected over the nbn™ access network will not work during a power blackout. nbn recommends that residents consider having an alternate form of communication handy (such as a charged mobile phone), if there is a power outage of any sort.

I am a business owner, is there any information I need to know?

Every business has different communication and data needs, which is why business owners should speak with their phone or internet provider about a plan or package that works best for them and their business.