ARMIDALE residents are being reminded to sign up for the National Broadband Network before the city’s copper network is gradually switched off.
Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said the copper communications network supporting home phone services in town would start to be switched off from 23 May.
Nearly 2500 premises have already made the change, but Mr Joyce and NBN Co urged remaining householders to beat the rush and make the switch over.
Around 4680 eligible premises have three months before the NBN’s new infrastructure will replace the existing landline phone, ADSL internet and Telstra cable internet services.
Turning off the copper network will be gradual and be done on a property-by-property basis, NBN Co said last week.
“We are committed to ensuring local residents and businesses are aware and have the necessary information needed ahead of migration to the new infrastructure,” spokesperson Darren Rudd said.
“Since November 2012, NBN Co has sent at least four forms of communication including local advertising, community information sessions and direct mail to each serviceable premise within Armidale.
“We are also continuing to actively engage with a variety of industry and community groups including telephone and internet service providers, local council and advocacy groups to ensure the message is reaching the community.”
Mr Rudd said switching to NBN was not automatic.
“Residents and businesses need to move their landline and internet services over to the NBN if they wish to continue using them,” he said.
NBN Co is hosting information sessions at the Armidale Bowling Club on Wednesday 5 March and Thursday 6 March.
The day sessions will run from 10.30am to 4.30pm, while the evening sessions run from 6pm to 7.30pm.
More information can be found at www.nbnco.com.au/switchoff
