Melbourne phone lines at risk with Telstra to axe copper network for NBN
Thousands of homes and businesses in Melbourne’s east and southeast face losing their fixed phone lines within days after not switching to the NBN. Are you affected?
Inner East
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About 15,000 people across Melbourne’s inner east and southeast could suddenly find themselves without a phone line after not connecting to NBN.
The copper network in Kew, Hawthorn, South Yarra, Toorak, Surrey Hills, Balwyn, Balwyn North, Heidelberg, Eltham and Bulleen will be retired from Friday, affecting about 8000 people.
More than 6500 people are also still connected to the copper network in Caulfield, Ashburton, Chadstone, Glen Huntly and Oakleigh, which will be affected from the same day.
Telstra regional general manager Loretta Willaton said residents and businesses still using copper services needed to connect to the NBN fibre network and avoid disconnection of their fixed services.
“In line with the government’s NBN policy, traditional copper-based phone, data and internet services will start to be switched off in parts of the inner east from Friday,” Ms Willaton said.
“Customers in this area who have yet to switch to the NBN need to act now to avoid disruptions to their landline and broadband services.”
Ms Willaton said there was a misconception in the community that the disconnection of copper services would not affect landline telephone services.
“Some households who are yet to move across to the NBN currently only have a landline phone,” she said.
“We’re concerned some still believe that voice services aren’t affected by the NBN.
“We are encouraging community members to check in on loved ones and elderly neighbours to make sure they are fully prepared for the impending disconnection of copper services.”
She said that local businesses were also many of the remaining premises yet to make the switch.
“Transferring services onto the NBN can take some time and co-ordination,” she said.
“We know how important a working phone, data and internet connection is to a business so we’re strongly urging remaining businesses to act today.”
To move to the NBN, residents and businesses need to select an appropriate plan and provider and order it.
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Customers using a medical alarm or alert (or their family member, carer or friend on their behalf) should also record their medical alarm on the NBN Co’s Medical Alarm Register by phoning 1800 227 300 or completing the online form at nbnco.com.au/medicalregister.
As a precaution, Telstra landline customers will continue to be able to make outgoing calls only to E000 and Telstra customer service numbers for a limited time after their disconnection date.