Tens of thousands of eastern Melbourne phone lines could be cut due to NBN move

If almost 30,000 home and business owners across Melbourne’s east don’t act soon, their landline and internet service could be cut off as the NBN is implemented in coming weeks. Find out what you need to do to stay connected.

Tens of thousands of existing landline phone and internet services are at risk of disconnection in the next six weeks.

Almost 18,000 homes and businesses across Melbourne’s east could have their landline and internet services cut off within two weeks’ time.

And that figure could rise to almost 30,000 in the next six weeks.

During February and March, the existing services will be progressively replaced by those for the NBN.

Services through non-fibre networks, some apartment complexes and some business and special services will not be impacted.

Homes and businesses are urged to contact their phone and internet service providers to find out if they are at risk of disconnection.

NBN local Victoria head Matt Evans said homes and businesses had been able to place orders for services to the network for about 18 months, yet some were still to make the switch.

They can stay with their existing providers, but need to contact them to switch to NBN services.

“This is the final stage of the transition to nbn access network and brings the community closer to fully embracing the benefits of fast broadband,” he said.

Mr Evans said it was “particularly important” for anyone with a medical alarm, auto-dialler or emergency call button to register the devices on NBN Co’s medical alarm, as some may not be compatible.

Businesses are urged to contact their preferred phone and internet service providers as soon as possible to allow plenty of time for devices like EFTPOS, health claim terminals and fire alarms to migrate.

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“As the rollout nears completion, residents are warned to be wary of scammers pretending to collect payment on behalf of NBN Co,” Mr Evans said.

“NBN Co is a wholesale-only company and does not take money direct from consumers. We never make unsolicited calls, request remote access to a resident’s computer or door knock to sell broadband services to the public.”

AFFECTED PREMISES FROM FEBRUARY 14

2259 in South Yarra, Malvern East and Glen Iris

6012 in Glen Waverley, Vermont South, Oakleigh South, Oakleigh

1403 in Bayswater, Wantirna

2459 in Chirnside Park, Lilydale

3825 in Bulleen, Lower Templestowe, Doncaster, Doncaster East

2032 in Heathmont, Ringwood East, Croydon

AFFECTED PREMISES FROM FEBRUARY 28

2972 in Camberwell, Glen Iris

3188 in Wantirna, Knoxfield, Wantirna South

2531 in Ringwood, Ringwood North

AFFECTED PREMISES FROM MARCH 13

2732 in Box Hill North

262 in Camberwell, Canterbury, Surrey Hills and Glen Iris