Do you have a 'special services' connection? It may be about to end soon, so start planning now.
If you currently use fixed-line telecommunications services other than regular phones and internet connections, you need to plan their migration to the NBN.
So-called 'special services' – including Ethernet Lite, BDSL and ISDN – have previously been exempt from forced disconnection 18 months after NBN service is available to the premises.
But as reported in February, that's about to change.
NBN Co is warning that the first special services disconnections will start in November in areas that have already been through the 18 month transition process.
In the remaining areas, the special services deadline will be the same as that for phone and internet services.
Remember that the clock starts ticking as soon as you are able to connect to the NBN.
“It's important for businesses to know that moving these services to the NBN access network is not an automatic process and can take longer than switching over standard voice and broadband services,” said NBN Co executive general manager of business, sales and marketing Ben Salmon.
“To increase awareness about what businesses need to do to make the switch, we are boosting our communications activity by refreshing information on the NBN website about 'special services', commencing direct mail marketing and having one-on-one engagements with industry and enterprise customers who may be affected.
“We are particularly urging large businesses that have multiple sites, high and symmetrical speed requirements, multi-line telephony and video conferencing facilities as well as small and medium-sized businesses with multiple phone lines to get in touch with their service provider and make a plan to move over to the new network.
“Businesses who have made the migration early are already starting to see the benefits such as embracing services like cloud computing, multi-line video conferencing and multimedia rich applications to maximise efficiency and lower operating costs.”
The timetable for the first disconnection dates for the various special services can be found here.
