The countdown to switch to the NBN continues across Tasmania

An additional 2,000 homes and businesses in parts of Bellerive can now experience the benefits of fast and reliable broadband by connecting to services over the National Broadband Network (NBN).

This officially begins the countdown for local residents and businesses in parts of Bellerive to make the switch before most existing landline phone and internet services are replaced by services over the NBN.

They will follow parts of South Hobart, Smithton, Scottsdale and Midway Point which are the next communities in Tasmania to complete the transition to the NBN after the existing network is retired in the coming months.*

Lalla Mackenzie, NBN Co spokesperson said:

“Homes and businesses in Bellerive can now take advantage of the NBN, joining more than 21,000 residents and businesses already reaping the benefits of fast and reliable broadband as we continue the network rollout across Tasmania.

“The NBN provides opportunities to change the way Australians can enjoy in-home entertainment, do business and access medical services and e-learning resources.

“It’s important for residents and businesses to know the move to the NBN is not automatic and may take some planning and coordination. We encourage them to contact their preferred phone company and internet service provider to connect their home or business phone and internet services over to the NBN.”

Michael Courtney, Courtney Statewide Computing Services said:

“We decided to make the move from Western Australia to Scottsdale a few years ago because it was one of the first areas in the nation to get the NBN.

“Since making the switch to our Internode NBN services, our business has been able to deliver better customer service through VoIP, High Definition video calls as well as other remote collaboration tools.**

“But it isn’t just our business which is benefitting – the sky’s been the limit with our home NBN connection as well. We can now watch TV over the internet and connect online without frustrating drop outs and long load times.**

“If you are in an area which can connect, I would definitely recommend making the switch to the NBN. Get online today – you won’t look back."**

NBN Co is currently running a comprehensive communication campaign to generate awareness of what residents and businesses need to do in the lead up to their switch-off date. These activities include local advertising, community information sessions as well as door-to-door service calls for South Hobart, Smithton, Scottsdale and Midway Point which will begin from 19 August 2014.

Today’s announcement continues the momentum of the NBN rollout in Tasmania, with build preparation works and construction also underway for a further 43,500 homes and businesses across the state, including recently added homes and businesses in parts of Grasstree Hill, Geilston Bay and Claremont.

You can find out whether you are eligible to connect to the NBN as well as more information about the steps you need to take to make the switch by visiting nbnco.com.au/switch.

NBN Co Media Hotline
P: 02 9927 4200
E: media@nbnco.com.au

Dan Chamberlain
M: 0400 569 951
E: danchamberlain@nbnco.com.au

Media materials:

Download supporting video, audio and image files

Notes to editors:

• More than 56,000 homes and businesses can order services over the NBN across the Tasmanian including:

Region	Area
Northern Tasmania	Moorleah, Boat Harbour, Sisters Beach, Newstead, East Launceston, George Town, Deloraine, St Helens, Scottsdale and Smithton
Southern Tasmania	West Hobart, Battery Point, Sandy Bay, Dynnyrne, Herringback, Huonville, Richmond, Sorell, Kingston Beach, Triabunna, South Hobart, Midway Point and Snug

• Build preparation and construction are currently underway to build the NBN for an additional 45,000 homes and businesses in parts of the Tasmania including:

Region	Area
Northern Tasmania	Trevallyn, Riverside, Claremont, Waverley, Ravenswood, Mowbray, Newnham, Prospect Vale, Blackstone Heights, Newstead, Norwood, Punchbowl, Kings Meadows  and Mayfield
Southern Tasmania	Claremont, New Town, Mount Stuart, Rose Bay, Lindisfarne, Huntingfield, Grasstree Hill and Geilston Bay

 

• The move to the NBN is not automatic – homes and businesses will need to take the following steps:

1.     Contact your preferred internet service provider or phone company:

a.     If you have a medical alarm or alert (or a family member, carer or friend) you are encouraged to register your details with NBN Co’s Medical Alarm Register by calling 1800 227 300 or complete the online form at nbnco.com.au/medicalregister.

b.     If you have an EFTPOS terminal, fax or alarm system, call the provider of that service (for example your bank) to ask what internet or landline phone services over the NBN will support the device.

c.     If your building has an emergency lift phone and/or a fire indicator panel you are encouraged to register your details with NBN Co so these services can be identified by calling 1800 687 626.***

d.     Contact your preferred phone company or internet service provider and discuss your requirements.

2.     Choose a plan that suits your needs.

3.     Order your service over the NBN as soon as possible.

• Houses, units and small businesses will be visited by NBN Co Ambassadors wearing clearly identifiable NBN Co uniforms and carrying NBN Co photo identification. Residents and small businesses can expect visits during from 19 August to 24 September, between the hours of 1pm-7:30pm weekdays and 9am-5pm on weekends. If no one is available it is planned that clearly marked information will be left under the door or in the mailbox.
• Areas within suburbs will have different switch off dates depending on when the NBN becomes available to their premises.
• The rollout maps on the NBN Co website are intended to be an accurate picture of the state of the rollout as it stands today. The maps are updated monthly with additional information about the rollout of the NBN.

*The NBN is replacing most landline networks for phone and internet services, including copper and the majority of HFC networks, within its fixed line footprint with a mix of technologies.  Services provided over existing fibre networks (including in-building, health and education networks) and some special and business services may not be affected. To find out if your services will be affected, please contact your current phone or internet provider.  For more information, visit www.nbnco.com.au/switchoff or call 1800 687 626.

** NBN Co is very happy with the Courtney’s experience with the NBN. Of course, end user experiences may vary. The actual experience of end users, including the speeds actually achieved over the NBN, depends on a number of factors including the technology over which services are delivered to your premises and factors outside our control like your equipment quality, in-premises connection, broadband plan and how your service provider designs its network.

*** Due to specific in-building cabling requirements NBN Co is working closely with industry to develop solutions to connect emergency lift phones and fire indicator panels to the NBN. NBN Co does not currently intend to disconnect existing lift phone and fire indicator panel services. A register has been set up to identify where these services are located so that NBN Co can ensure that they are not disconnected when many other existing services are switched off in a particular area.

Downloads