People in areas covering approximately 25,000 homes and businesses are set to make the switch to the fibre network over an 18-month timeframe, which begins on 23 November 2012. NBN Co will be providing public information during the switchover period outlining the actions people can take to move to NBN fibre.
At the end of the 18-month period, during which people will have the opportunity to move to a new service, existing fixed phone lines, Internet services that run on the existing copper network (e.g. ADSL) and cable Internet services in these areas will be switched off. NBN Co Head of Product Management and Industry Relations, Jim Hassell, said residents were being encouraged to make an early switch in order to make the most out of the network that is being rolled out progressively to all Australians.
“To make the switch, residents simply call their preferred telephone or internet service provider to choose from a great range of competitively-priced packages on the NBN,” he said. “There is no need to wait until the last minute. Households and businesses across Australia are now using superfast Internet services and quality phone services over the NBN to change the way they live, work and access entertainment. The feedback from people already connected is that they can enjoy making high-quality video calls with fewer drop outs, downloading movies in minutes, streaming TV, and having all the family online at once.”
Around 45 telcos and ISPs have signed to offer services over the NBN. A communications program is under way to inform people of the steps they need to take to switchover. The locations announced are Armidale and Kiama (NSW), Brunswick and South Morang (Victoria), Townsville (Queensland), Deloraine, George Town, Kingston Beach, Sorell, St Helens and Triabunna (Tasmania) and Wilunga (South Australia)
