While construction has commenced to connect homes and businesses in the Bogan Shire to the national broadband network (nbn), many residents still have a number of questions and concerns.
Nbn Local Manager Ian Scott attended last months council meeting to address a number of these concerns surrounding the forthcoming rollout.
The nbn was switched on in Nyngan in April and while residents have understand that premises in the fixed line network will have 18 months to make the switch, its important to know what the fixed line network is.
The fixed line network relates to homes and businesses in the centre of Nyngan where the current copper system is being replaced.
Click to find out where your property lies in relation to the nbn rollout.
Mr Scott addressed to Council that for those properties outside this fixed line map, classified as the satellite area, will have the option to switch to the nbn.
“The disconnection happens in areas where we build a fixed line footprint, this means residents and businesses have got 18 months to make arrangements to be connected to an nbn service or all connections are disconnected, but not in satellite areas,” Mr Scott said.
“In satellite areas your existing services are not disconnected, so whatever service you have, weather it be ADSL or a plain phone service you dont have to move to the nbn there's no forced migration.”
It was also addressed at the council meeting that the fixed line perimeter would be amended to include the Bogan Shire Early Learning Centre and the new emergency service precinct towards Canonba road.
An nbn spokesperson also said that for those switching to the service it is important to research the different retailers available.
“NBN has built this common infrastructure and anyone can use it. Theres huge opportunity and marketing openness to this, but people need to be mindful that they've got a choice and with that choice you have a bit of power,” the nbn spokesperson said.
“Do you stick with the incumbent, you know who they are, they're a good option, you know their pricing and so on. Or do you look at some of the newer upstarts and look at what their service and quality is like, you've got this choice now.”
“If you choose a service provider who has a model which is very low touch to customer service, then thats what youre going to get. If you ring them up and get to the help desk in two minutes and theyre eager to help, then thats also what youre going to get.”
It is important to note that switching to the nbn is not automatic and residents will need to contact their preferred provider, and theres over 150 of them, to place and order for their new internet and phone services.
People can find out whether they are eligible to connect by using the Check Your Address function at nbn.com.au/switch.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Who do I contact about an nbn powered plan?
Nbn powered plans are sold by more than 150 different phone and internet providers. A list of providers can be found on the nbn website.
- Do I have a choice of speeds with my nbn powered plan?
Most people are not aware that for the first time in history they have a choice of speeds when switching to an nbn powered plan. 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 that best suits your needs.
- If I am experiencing an issue who do I contact?
You need to contact your phone or internet provider in the first instance.
- Do I have to order an nbn service? I only use a landline phone and I dont use the internet.
In most cases you will still need to order an nbn powered plan even if you just have a landline. Once the nbn nbetowrk goes live in an area there is an 18 month window to contact a phone or internet provider.
- I have a medical alarm, is there anything I need to know?
If you have a medical alarm, or care for someone who does, it is important to register this with nbn as it helps us to identify households where support may be needed when they are making the switch to an nbn powered plan. People can register via the nbn website or by calling 1800 227 300. Registration is free.
It is also very important to talk to your device provider. The rollout of the nbn access network involves new technologies which some existing devices may not be compatible with. Your device provider will be able to advise if your device or service will work on the nbn network, and what alternatives may be available.
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Nyngan Observer
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