SECTIONS of Armidale have just one month to sign up for the National Broadband Network or risk having their phones and internet access cut off.
NBN Co. spokesman Darren Rudd said it was important that home and business owners signed up by 23 May.
“The move to the NBN is not automatic and may take some planning and co-ordination,” he said.
“Home and business owners in the affected parts of Armidale need to move their landline phone, ADSL internet and cable internet services over to the NBN – if they wish to continue using them.
“We particularly want all business owners with EFTPOS machines and fax or security alarm systems which operate using a landline connection to contact their banks and preferred phone or internet company to discuss what steps are required to migrate these services over to the NBN.”
An estimated 200 home and business owners in parts of Armidale have one month to switch their home and internet services over to NBN.
However, some buiness owners in the CBD are frustrated that they cannot access the NBN, even though they are in the initial area that is being disconnected from the copper network.
Peter Bailey, the chief executive of Foundation for Regional Development, said it was “embarrassing” that he was unable to be connected to NBN.
“The priority should have been to get the CBD wired first and then the homes,” he said.
“Our building hasn’t been wired and it’s a three-storey premises.
“NBN Co should have looked after the big users first.”
Mr Bailey said his building was scheduled to be cut off at the end of May, but had been assured it wouldn’t unless NBN was available.
“I just hope there are no mix-ups,” he said.
Mr Rudd said he understood there were around 30 businesses or homes yet to be connected to NBN in the zone for the initial disconnection.
“We won’t cut off anyone if they can’t get NBN,” he said.
“But those who can access it must be signed up by 23 May.”
