Melbourne north, northwest phone lines at risk with copper network to be disconnected for NBN
Thousands of homes and businesses in Melbourne’s north and northwest face losing their fixed phone lines and internet within days after not switching to the NBN. Are you affected?
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Thousands of people across Melbourne’s north and northwest could suddenly find themselves back in the Stone Age without a phone line after not connecting to NBN.
More than 8000 customers from almost 30 suburbs in the municipalities of Brimbank, Hume and Moreland will have their copper network connection cut off from Friday.
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Telstra acting regional general manager Marcus Swinburne said residents and businesses still using copper services needed to connect to the NBN fibre network to 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,” Mr Swinburne 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.”
He 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,” Mr Swinburne said.
MELBOURNE SUBURBS SWITCHING TO NBN THIS MONTH
“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.”
Mr Swinburne said many of the remaining premises yet to make the switch were local businesses.
“Transferring services onto the NBN can take some time and co-ordination,” he 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.”
Head of NBN Local Victoria, Matt Evans, said services such as EFTPOS terminals and fire alarms could be affected by the disconnections.
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To move to the NBN, residents and businesses need to select an appropriate plan and provider and order it.
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.