NBN - What Does It All Mean? - southburnett.com.au

NTD — A Network Termination Device ... part of the in-home equipment that will be installed in homes to replace existing landline phone services (Photo: NBN Co)

October 22, 2015

A South Burnett Online reader asked us earlier this week about the National Broadband Network and how it will affect him, so we have put together some information here which may be of help.

What Is The NBN?

The National Broadbank Network is a new way of delivering landline (ie fixed) telephone service and broadband internet services throughout Australia. It should provide faster internet services for most people, although not all experts agree on this.

A Federal Government business entity, NBN Co Limited, is responsible for the rollout of the new technology across Australia.

It has now trademarked the name “nbn”, and this is the way most people will see the program referred to from now on.

Is It Compulsory?

Basically the answer to this is no. The same as today, it is not compulsory to have a telephone or the internet connected to your house or business.

What About My Telephone?

There is no change to mobile telephone services. The current 3G and 4G coverage areas will not be affected.

However, as the rollout of the nbn continues, a new network (called “fibre to the node”) will replace phone and internet services provided over existing landline networks.

Existing services will be switched off … much like the switch from analogue to digital TV (click on the link for more information).

This aspect of the nbn IS compulsory.

Businesses and residents will have to move their current landline telephone and internet services to an nbn-based plan before the scheduled disconnection date.

This rollout will happen in the major town centres in the South Burnett, but is not expected to start before the second half of 2018.

We have been promised that information sessions will be held before this final rollout occurs and residents are expected to have at least 18 months to switch to an nbn-based plan.

Moving to the new network is NOT automatic; residents will have to compare plans and choose a provider.

It is important to remember that NBN Co Limited is not a telco or ISP so residents will not be dealing with this company. Current service providers such as Telstra etc will be offering plans to provide services under the new network. You will be able to keep the same phone number but will have to ask for it to be “ported” when you choose a provider.

Special services already delivered by optic fibre networks (provided to some schools and hospitals) won’t be affected.

The installation of nbn equipment at your home is free, but additional optional services – such as a new router for your home internet network – will be your own responsibility (or may be included in a package from your provider).

NBN technicians will install all the equipment required to connect your house to the network. Outside the house, this will most likely include a utility box (also known as Premises Connection Device – PCD). Inside, there will be a connection box (also known as Network Termination Device – NTD) connected to a power supply with battery back up.

NB. If you live in an area serviced by Fixed Wireless or Satellite nbn services, it will be your choice whether you switch to the nbn network, what services you take up and which service provider you use. Most rural parts of the South Burnett are either currently covered by Fixed Wireless or will be as the rollout continues.