When we complete the nbn™ network in an area we will notify local residents that the new network is ready. At this stage, most residents will be able to connect to services over the nbn™ network and affected residents (see further below) should do so before the scheduled switch off date (the point when we disconnect the existing network see further below) for their property.
After the switch off date, most of the existing landline networks used for landline phone and internet services, including copper and the vast majority of HFC networks, will be replaced by the nbn™ network.
Services provided over the traditional landline networks, which will be disconnected in each area include:
The switch off date is typically around 18 months after residents are notified that the nbn™ network is available to them. If you currently use these services you are likely to be affected. If you want to keep using your landline phone and internet services, you will need to move them to a plan over the nbn™ network before your scheduled disconnection date.
We recommend contacting your existing provider to find out how, and, if so, when, you will be affected by the scheduled switch off date in your area. If you don’t want to connect to the nbn™ network, you can ask your preferred provider about other options like mobile phone and mobile broadband.
Moving to the nbn™ network is not automatic. You should call a phone company or internet service provider so you can discuss all your requirements before ordering your services and booking an installation, if required. Your service provider will be able to talk you through the options and the range of plans for services over the nbn™ network. If you have any questions about your current contract, you should contact your existing provider.
After notification that you can switch to the nbn™ network, you will generally have around 18 months to move before your landline phone and internet services are switched off. We will send you reminders, but if you are affected, we highly recommend switching well before your scheduled switch off date as it may take time to process your order.
If you subscribe to Foxtel Pay TV and it’s provided over satellite or Telstra Cable, it will not be switched off as part of the nbn™ rollout. If you access any Foxtel services via the internet (for example, through an Xbox 360/PC/tablet/smartphone/smart TV), you will need an internet connection in line with Foxtel’s minimum requirements.
The only other exceptions to the switch-off are a set of special services mainly used by businesses, or phone or internet services that are already provided over fibre, or through a network provided by a building owner, or a network that's not owned by Telstra or Optus (such as Pivit or OptiComm).
If you have any other questions, please call us on 1800 687 626.