NEARLY 10,000 Mount Gambier properties will completely transition to the NBN broadband access network in the first two months of 2019.
This means any homes still using legacy phone and internet services in the city area will find these services no longer work when the 18-month transition period ends between January and February.
Research shows access to fast broadband is spurring growth in new businesses in the Mount Gambier region and is projected to help contribute to the creation of 240-700 additional businesses by 2021.
Up to 10 additional businesses were estimated to have been created in 2017 due to the “NBN effect”.
From the end of February, most existing landline phone and internet services in Mount Gambier will only be available on the NBN access network.
However, it is important to understand connecting to the NBN access network is not automatic.
Those who are yet to switch are encouraged to contact their preferred phone or internet service provider to place an order as soon as possible to continue using their landline phone and internet services.
For many Australians, this will be the first time they have selected a plan based on speed, so it is important consumers understand the factors impacting on speed so they can get more out of their access network experience.
Residents and business owners should call their internet provider and speak about their internet needs and any special equipment operating on their current landline connection, including EFTPOS terminals and medical and security alarms.
“It’s important for local residents and businesses to remember the move to the NBN access network is not automatic – people need to speak to their retailer in order to continue to use their fixed line telecommunications services,” head of South Australia NBN Local Tim Saul said.
“While the majority of homes and businesses in Mount Gambier have already made the switch to services over the NBN access network, this is the final stage of the transition to the new infrastructure that brings the community closer to fully embracing the benefits of fast broadband.
“Those premises with NBN fixed wireless and Sky Muster satellite areas will not have their copper services switched off and many are choosing to keep their existing services for emergency communications.
“If you’re not sure whether this impacts you, speak to your current phone and internet provider.
“If you’re not yet connected to a service over the NBN access network, you’ll need to contact your preferred phone and internet provider to place an order.”
Council of Small Business Organisations Australia chief executive Peter Strong said it was important for businesses to plan ahead and make the switch NBN early.
“Some special business services may not be affected, but the majority of business services and devices that operate on existing landline phone and internet services will need to be migrated to the NBN access network,” he said.
“Speak to your preferred phone and internet provider about making the switch and to access the benefits of fast broadband.”
