PORT Douglas residents and businesses are being urged to start looking at options for their new broadband service with nbn™ being switched on to more than 2000 premises this week.
Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch is encouraging people to jump onto the nbn™ website at www.nbn.com.au/check where they can type in their home or business address and see when they will be identified as ‘ready for services’ over the Fibre To The Node (FTTN) network.
The website also lists which Retail Service Providers (RSPs) are offering plans in the area, which will help people to choose the right nbn™ provider and plan for them.
“This is an important time, whether people need high-speed internet for business communications, payment systems or reservations or want to work from home, study online, upload to social media or just stream Netflix,” Mr Entsch said. “All of these activities will be faster and more efficient with the nbn™ network so it’s very exciting.”
Mr Entsch said residents may have already started getting a letter in the mail from nbn™ providing all the information they need ahead of making the switch. It’s also very likely that RSPs like Telstra or Dodo are already getting in contact with homes and businesses to start selling their services.
“I can’t emphasise enough how critical it is that people do their research and sign up for a plan that’s right for their usage – think about choices you have not just on price and data, but also the speed tiers available on the nbn™,” Mr Entsch said.
“The nbn™ is a game changer and I have no doubt that Port Douglas locals will see a massive improvement in their internet speed and capacity. But in the immediate future we want to make sure the changeover period goes as smoothly as possible and we avoid the disappointment that has occurred in other areas because people have bought the cheapest, slowest plans that don’t meet their needs.”
Mr Entsch said that switching to the nbn™ network is not automatic – residents and businesses need to contact their preferred service provider and place an order to move their landline phone and internet services over.
“Also, the nbn™ is not just about the internet – it’s your landline phone too. It’s critical that you talk to your device providers for any other landline services such as medical alarms, eftpos, fire and lift, or fax machines.”
Customers have 18 months after the nbn™ becomes available at their home or business to make the switch before the existing network will be switched off. If they choose not to switch to the nbn™, they are urged to talk to their preferred service provider about options such as mobile phone and/or mobile broadband.
“I’m keen to get feedback from local businesses on how they find the transition process, as well as their experiences with the new fast broadband service – whether positive or negative,” Mr Entsch ended. “I encourage businesses to email me at warren.entsch.mp@aph.gov.au”
Useful Resources:
To find out more about what speed tier will suit your needs, head to www.nbn.com.au/speed.
For businesses, go to www.nbn.com.au/business for information, resources, and to complete the business readiness checklist. A list of providers offering business grade plans on the nbn™ network is available here.
Other factors can also impact on people’s experience of the nbn™, check out useful information here: http://www.nbnco.com.au/learn-about-the-nbn/speed/making-the-most-of-your-internet-connection.html.
