BRISBANE: NBN Co have announced that around 140,000 premises will be cut off by June as the move from ageing copper telephone networks to the NBN continues
More than 3000 Brisbane homes and businesses will be disconnected from the Telstra copper network on Friday as select suburbs migrate to the National Broadband Network (NBN).
Around 2150 premises in Redbank Plains and 1300 in Zillmere will be cut-off.
NBN co spokesperson Matthew Horan said if residents wanted to keep their internet connection or landline they have to switch over to the NBN by Friday.
“If you sign up tomorrow you’ll hold onto that landline until we install the NBN to your premises,” Mr Horan said.
“If you leave it until Monday you’ll lose your landline.”
Mr Horan urged business owners who use Eftpos connected through the copper network and people with medical alarms to contact their internet service providers to make sure they can move across to the NBN.
Telstra Area general manager Damien Lefrancke said Telstra had been on the ground in Redbank Plains and Zillmere for more than 18 months helping customers make the switch to NBN services.
“We’ve been in regular contact with our residential customers via letters, phone calls, home visits and through a range of community information sessions,” Mr Lefrancke said.
“In all we’ve attempted to contact our customers up to 20 times to ensure they’re prepared for the change.”
iiNet NBN product manager Rachael McIntyre said it was important to stress migration to the NBN is not automatic.
“Customers have to act now or they will be left to mobile-only.” “Shop around; there are great offers in the market.” Ms McIntyre said iiNet have seen a 60 per cent increase of customer usage on their NBN service.
“Even those who select the lower speed option are above the national average broadband speed.
“They are getting a more reliable service.” Roughly 2500 homes and businesses have made the switch to the NBN in the Aspley and Goodna areas. Mackay, Townsville, Cairns and Toowoomba, as well as other areas throughout Australia, will also begin the disconnection phase tomorrow.
