The company says the former Telstra network requires “advanced network testing and remediation where needed”.
If you are in an NBN HFC area and you haven't already connected, it could be at least six months before you get another chance as the company has put a temporary freeze on new orders while it improves the network.
NBN Co's announcement didn't mention how long the freeze will last, but according to iTNews it is expected to be six to nine months.
The company will use the time to fix a number of issues with the ex-Telstra network. Tasks include “advanced network testing and remediation where needed, wholesale connector replacements, signal amplification calibration, and lead-in work as required”.
These activities will be initially performed in the areas where customers are already connected via HFC, and then to connections that have not been activated due to related problems. After that, it will become part of the rollout process in the remaining HFC areas.
It will take a few weeks before the implications of the program are reflected in NBN Co's “check your address” service.
Company officials said NBN Co is working with Telstra and Optus to ensure that affected customers can continue to access their existing ADSL and non-NBN HFC services while these changes are made.
NBN Co chief executive Bill Morrow said: “There are so many elements of this industry transformation that we cannot directly control, but we are serious about improving that which we can. This is a deliberate change to demonstrate NBN Co's focus on putting the customer experience as a priority over all else.
“We remain confident of reaching our goal of completing the build and connecting eight million Australian premises by 2020.”
