ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS ON THE NBN ROLLOUT IN BONNER

Local residents and business owners had the opportunity to learn more about the National Broadband Network (NBN) rollout in their area at NBN information sessions held in Gumdale and Upper Mt Gravatt by Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta.

NBN Co representative Justin Thomson, and Telstra representatives Scott Mullaly and Sarah Kenny-Brand, joined Mr Vasta to help answer questions and provide solutions to attendees’ various connection issues.

“I’m pleased to report that 55 per cent of the NBN rollout is complete in Bonner, with all premises to have access to NBN services by 2020,” Mr Vasta said.

“Over time the NBN will replace most of the existing networks as the deliverer of a new service network. At the end of 2020, there will be further plans for path upgrades and speed building to ensure the best service is continually on offer for all users.”

Mr Vasta warned local residents to be wary of scammers going door-to-door or calling them.

“If you’ve been contacted by someone claiming the NBN is here already and that you must pay them to connect now, they’re scammers—please report them to my office,” Mr Vasta said.

Mr Thomson advised attendees to use the “Check your address” tool available at nbnco.com.au to find out when they can expect to be able to connect to the NBN.

He said every household that wanted to keep their landline and internet would be required to switch over to the NBN.

“Every premise in Australia will be connected to the NBN free-of-charge. You will then have 18 months from the installation date to switch over. This will give you plenty of time to shop around and look into the options and packages available to you,” Mr Thomson said.

“When contacting a service provider about switching over, ask them: what plan do they suggest, whether there will be any additional installation fees, and if you can keep your current home phone number—in most cases you’ll be able to. Have a good think about what plan will suit you best, you’ll have plenty of time to decide.”

Mr Mullaly said Telstra was working closely with NBN Co on the rollout, and that people could make NBN enquiries at any Telstra store.

“If you have any questions on the rollout and want to chat to someone about what’s available to you and the installation process, you can book an appointment at your local Telstra store to find out everything you need to know,” Mr Mullaly said.

When asked what options are available to people in a non-FTTN (Fibre to the Node) area looking to move onto FTTN, Mr Thomson said they should look into NBN Co’s Technology Choice Program.

“The Technology Choice Program gives interested parties the option to pay to switch over to FTTN or another NBN access network technology—look on the NBN website for more details,” Mr Thomson said.

Dr Richard Allen and Dr Michelle Allen from Upper Mount Gravatt said the forum they attended had been informative and well conducted.

“We came tonight to find out some information for our neighbours and we learned quite a bit,” Dr Michelle Allen said.

“We’ve found by contacting Ross’s office in the past with our NBN enquiries he’s been very helpful. We would recommend others to contact Ross as well if they run into any issues.”

Mr Vasta asked those with further issues or questions to contact his office or visit the NBN Co website at www.nbnco.com.au.

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