At innoTel, we get a lot of questions specifically about connecting business to the nbntm and what needs to be taken into account.
Here’s a quick run-down of what you need to consider;
The following may vary for some customers and locations, but is generally what needs to be considered and what happens throughout the process.
Check your existing equipment
Router – is you current router up to task?
Only a small number of routers (otherwise known as modems or modem/routers) operational today are capable of connecting to all nbntm network types. Depending on the network and technology type used to deliver an nbntm connection to your business, you may need to consider upgrading.
Your internal network
Given the faster speeds now available over the nbntm, it might also be time you looked at your internal network to ensure you can get the most out of an nbntm broadband connection.
Make sure Network Switches and Wi-Fi Access points are up to the task and give you the opportunity to enjoy the faster speeds that an nbntm connection is capable of bringing.
Alarms (including Security, Fire and Emergency alarms)
If you have any type of Alarm fitted at your premise, you’ll need to speak to your alarm provider to check if it will continue to work when the nbntm is connected at your premise.
nbntm connections do away with the traditional landline (PSTN) phone service, which most alarm systems use to send information back to the alarm provider.
Your alarm provider will be able to advise what steps need to be taken to ensure your alarm continues to work when the nbntm is installed at your premises.
EFTPOS terminals (including Health claim terminals)
Like alarms, some EFTPOS and Heath claim (HiCAPS) terminals, particularly older ones, use the traditional landline networks to transmit data back to your bank or health provider. Contacting the bank or supplier is your best bet to ensure you can continue to process payments and claims after the nbntm is installed at your premise.
Ordering
When the nbntm is ‘live’ or coming live in your area, you’ll receive notification from nbn usually through a letterbox drop. At this point, you can start discussing your needs with a provider on which service and plan is right for you.
innoTel can help you find the right service and nbn broadband plan for your business’ needs with just a few simple questions.
Don’t leave ordering your nbntm service until the last minute. What we’ve seen happen is a flood of orders come in at the same time and there aren’t enough nbntm sub-contractors to get all the connections done within a short time-frame. Keeping this in mind, you’ll be able to make the transition to an nbntm broadband connection smoothly.
Installation
Installation of an nbntm broadband service is performed by qualified nbntm sub-contractors. A standard installation on average takes 3-4 hours to complete and you must be present at your premises during the installation.
In some cases, multiple visits by an nbntm sub-contractor will be required and these multiple visits can be across different days.
nbntm contractors will install a Network Termination Device (NTD), in your premises in the most convenient location based on the entry point of the nbntm wiring into your premises. You can read more about what an nbn NTD is on our blog.
This may result in the NTDnot being installed in the same location as your current communications equipment, however, it is best to discuss with this with the sub-contractor prior to beginning the installation on the day.
If the NTDis installed in a different location, the cost of wiring from the NTDto your communications equipment will need to be covered by you.
Once installed, the sub-contractor will test the service to ensure it is working correctly.
Post-Installation
Once the sub-contractor has connected the NTDand has confirmed the service is operational, you’ll need to go ahead and plug in your configured modem/router into the NTD.
If you’ve supplied a compatible modem/router, then you’ll need to configure it by entering various settings into the device. innoTel can supply the settings that work in most devices, or innoTel also supply pre-configured nbntm ready modem/routers that all you need to do is plug in and you’re on your way.
If everything is configured, you should now be able to access the internet and enjoy using your new nbn connection.
What if I don’t connect to the nbntm ?
For most businesses that rely on ADSL/ADSL2+ Broadband and traditional PSTN phone lines, among others, when the nbntm is rolled out in your area there will be a period of time you’ll be given to make the switch. If you don’t make the switch and connect to the nbntm, you could be left with no Internet or Phone services, depending on the roll-out area and technology used to deliver an nbntm connection to your premises.
It’s always worth checking in with innoTel to see when your area is going live and when the deadline for cutovers is.
You’ll want to leave yourself plenty of time to switch across. For example, picking up the phone 2-months from the cut-off date could delay your installation and leave you with no services, particularly if everyone in your area has the same idea!
Need to get connected to the nbntm? Contact innoTel today and we’ll help you find the right service and nbntm broadband plan.