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The NBN copper cut-off:
Everything you need to know

The NBN rollout will result in ADSL broadband connections being shut off.

The rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN) is gaining momentum, with over 6 million homes and businesses now able to connect to the network via a mix of technologies.

Alarmingly though, only slightly more than half that number of buildings have actually been connected. In other words, about 50% of occupants who could be using the NBN are not doing so. This gap is likely to widen as the 2020 rollout completion date approaches.

Perhaps even more concerning is the fact that recent research from finder.com.au revealed that 58% of Australians remain blissfully unaware that their current ADSL Internet and phone service will be disconnected if they fail to switch to the NBN in time. Which means a large chunk of the population is in for a rude shock.

Homes and businesses have 18 months to migrate to the NBN from the date a connection is made available. After this time, traditional copper and cable-based phone and Internet services will be severed. Ultimately, switching to the NBN will be compulsory.

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What gets disconnected?

According to NBN Co, the following services will be permanently disconnected if you don't arrange to move them to the NBN network before the advised date:

  • Telstra home/landline phone services
  • Home/landline phone services from all other phone companies, where the service is provided over Telstra's copper phone lines
  • All ADSL, ADSL2 and ADSL2+ Internet services from all providers
  • Telstra BigPond cable Internet services
  • Optus cable Internet and cable phone services

It’s important to note that if your phone or Internet service is already provided over another fibre network or cable Internet that’s not owned by Telstra or Optus, such as TransACT, Pivit and OptiComm, they will remain unaffected unless your provider advises otherwise. NBN Co dubs this an Adequately Served Area (ASA). Similarly, customers who have their Foxtel Pay TV service piped across by either satellite or Telstra Cable, will not have their service switched off as part of the NBN rollout.

The only other exceptions to the switch-off are specialised business services such as ISDN lines which are commonly used for PABXs and some EFTPOS terminals.

As well as phone and Internet, it’s important to consider other services running off the old copper-based network that will be affected after the switch-off date. These include:

  • medical alarms, auto diallers or emergency call buttons
  • security alarms
  • EFTPOS or health-claim terminals
  • monitored fire alarms
  • lift emergency phones
  • fax and teletypewriter devices

If your home or business uses any of the above equipment, then be sure to contact the provider well in advance of the switch-off date, to determine whether your existing set-up is compatible with the NBN network.

Copper cut-off timeframes

From the moment you receive notification that you can switch to the NBN, you have 18 months to move your services to the new network before the existing network is switched off. Keep in mind that a technician will still need to come out and physically connect your premises to the NBN network. There can be very lengthy queues for a qualified technician, so we highly recommend switching well before your disconnection date. If you’re unsure when your existing network will be discontinued, use the finder NBN address checker. Be aware that a disconnection date might not be visible for premises that were connected very recently. In this case, simply add 18 months to the "ready for service" date listed, to work out when the disconnection date will be. If you’re unsure when your existing network will be discontinued, use the finder NBN address checker.

About the author

Krishan Sharma is an award winning freelance technology journalist who writes for a number of tech focused publications. Outside of his journalistic endeavours, Krishan is an IT professional who has established a wide breadth of experience in the ICT industry. Above all, Krishan is a self-confessed tech junkie and can usually be found tweaking and testing out the latest gadgets, home theatre gear, games, software and mobile applications.

Be aware that a disconnection date might not be visible for premises that were connected very recently. In this case, simply add 18 months to the "ready for service" date listed, to work out when the disconnection date will be.

Check when your NBN connection is available

What happens if you don’t switch to the NBN?

Unless you're in the small amount of areas that are deemed adequately served, switching to the NBN is mandatory. If you don't make the change, you run the risk of losing your home broadband and phone services.

The good news is that both NBN Co and your ISP will contact you either via direct mail or phone and urge you to change, and will warn you regarding interrupted services if you don’t. If you choose not to act, then 18 months from the date the NBN was connected in your area, you will find yourself without an Internet connection.

Compare NBN plans today and prepare for the copper cut-off

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Krishan Sharma

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Krishan is an award winning freelance technology journalist who writes for a number of tech focused publications. Outside of his journalistic endeavours, Krishan is an IT professional who has established a wide breadth of experience in the ICT industry. Above all, Krishan is a self-confessed tech junkie and can usually be found tweaking and testing out the latest gadgets, home theatre gear, games, software and mobile applications.

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6 Responses

  1. Default Gravatar
    JeffApril 17, 2018

    I declined NBN connection because the Techs assured me my ADSL connection was superior. The dropout rate was so horrific they advised me to delay as long as possible. Now it appears the installing fibre to the curb for all those people who are not yet connected. Will I now have a new timetable?

    Reply
    • Staff
      MayApril 18, 2018Staff

      Hi Jeff,

      Thanks for reaching out to finder.

      That’s what we’re not sure of. I would suggest that you contact your ISP to confirm. Whether or not, in the future, your ADSL will still be disconnected. So in case you’d you’d like to be installed with NBN fibre, best to get in touch with your ISP soon.

      Cheers,
      May

      Reply
  2. Default Gravatar
    RodneyApril 4, 2018

    To put it bluntly – is the Federal Government blackmailing Australians? I see no reason to switch to the NBN when my present Internet service is perfectly adequate. But my present service will be disconnected. I’ve heard that the switch is compulsory because the Government wants to boost its political reputation by making it appear that nearly all Australians have voluntarily signed up for the NBN – thus making the present government responsible for a huge breakthrough like the government that initiated the Snowy Mountains Scheme. But the NBN isn’t voluntary – it’s compulsory if you want to keep using the Internet or your landline. Additionally – maybe the government, and all the other companies mentioned in “The NBN copper cut-off: Everything you need to know” (27 March 2018), see the NBN as a new way to indulge their greed and make more money.

    Reply
    • Staff
      MayApril 5, 2018Staff

      Hi Rodney,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      We’re hearing you 100%. While we can’t really give a personal opinion on this, switching to NBN will still take place in your area and yes, that’s compulsory for all consumers. So in case you will be delaying the switch, your ISP and NBN will still contact you later on and recommend you to switch. Best to contact your ISP in case you need more information about your plan options.

      Cheers,
      May

      Reply
  3. Default Gravatar
    ADSLApril 2, 2018

    Can I remain on ADSL after NBN is connected in my area?

    Reply
    • Staff
      JoshuaApril 2, 2018Staff

      Hi KB,

      Thanks for getting in touch with finder.

      Yes, that’s possible, but for a limited period of time. Homes and businesses have 18 months to migrate to the NBN from the date a connection is made available. After this time, traditional copper and cable-based phone and Internet services will be severed. Ultimately, switching to the NBN will be compulsory.

      In case you want to check the availability of NBN connection in your area, please go to this page.

      I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.

      Have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Joshua

      Reply
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