NBN HFC NTD
/ By innoTel / Uncategorised/ 0 Comments

NBN moving to Self Install for HFC connections

From the 1st of July 2017, nbnCotm have made changes to their installation policy for nbntm Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) cable connections, notably introducing Self Install for HFC connections.

These changes affect customers who have previously had a Telstra® or Foxtel® cable service installed at their premises, the cable from the utility pole to the wall plate is to known to be in good working condition and is connected to a wall-plate with the customer’s premises (otherwise known as Service Class 23).

Self Install for HFC connections

If this best describes your premise, then it’s likely this change affects you. But it’s not all bad!

Essentially, if you are one of these customers, nbntm’s policy is to now send the nbntm equipment, known as a Network Termination Unit (NTU) directly to the customer for Self-Installation, rather than sending out an nbntm installer to connect the NTU to the wall plate. These NTU’s are essentially cable modems (pictured right), which are relatively easy to install.

 

Why did nbncotm make the change?

There are plenty of reasons why nbntm might have made the change, but we don’t see it as a bad thing for customers; in fact quite the opposite.

While the downside is that you’ll have to install the NTU yourself, which isn’t that difficult, the change should result in customers getting connected to the nbntm in a quicker time frame as they don’t need to schedule a site visit from an nbntm installer, which can cause delays in areas where there is a limited installer work-force, or there is a back log of installations.

 

Can I request an nbntm installer to come out an install the NTU for me?

Yes, you can. However, there is a fee attached to this. As at July 2017, the fee was $300 which is billed to you through your broadband provider. Needless to say, the Self Install for HFC connections option is a far cheaper than a professional installation

Needless to say, the Self Install for HFC connections option is a far cheaper than a professional installation.

 

What alternatives do I have?

If you’re located in Melbourne, innoTel can perform the installation for you at no cost, which includes setting up your modem/router and connecting it to your network. If you’re not located in Melbourne, we can arrange for one of our contractors to visit you on-site and install the nbntm hardware, which does incur a charge.

If you have an I.T. person that looks after your network, they may be able to assist.

However, it’s really not that difficult to do and it’s as easy as plugging in a broadband modem, which you may have done a few times before. If you’re keen to give it a go, check out our nbntm HFC Self Install Guide which walks you through the Self Install for HFC connections process.

Looking for a small business NBN provider? Speak to us today!

 

nbntm, Telstra® or Foxtel® are registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Connecting to the NBN
/ By innoTel / National Broadband Network/ 0 Comments

The NBN installation Part 2: On installation day

Many of our customers ask us what they should expect with the nbntm installation process and while it differs for a lot of customers, we’ve come up with a series of posts to give you some insight on the process and what to expect. Check out part 1, or read on for part 2

In our previous post, The NBN installation Part 1: Prior to installation day, we gave you an overview of what will happen leading up to the day of installation. The installation day has arrived, and the following is what you can expect:

The technician will arrive during the timeframe you were provided after submitting your order. As we mentioned in part 1, technicians may not call prior to their arrival or to let you know roughly what time they’ll arrive so expect them to arrive within the time-frame window.

 

When the technician arrives

As with any contractor that arrives to perform work at your premise, you should request to see their identification. They should also walk you through what may be required for the installation.

At this point, you can discuss with the technician the preferred location of any equipment related to the nbntm installation. Keep in mind, if your chosen location results in what is called a ‘Complex Installation’, the technician will provide a quote to you for the additional costs incurred outside of a standard installation.

 

What will the technician will do on the day?

What the work the technician performs on the day depends on the technology type that nbntm have rolled out in your area and ‘Service Class’ of you premises (the current ‘nbntm’ status of your premises).

Depending on the ‘Service Class’ of your premises, they may;

  • install a ‘lead-in’ cable from the communications pit or utility pole outside your premise;
  • install a Fixed Wireless Antenna to the outside of your premise; or
  • install a Network Termination Unit (NTU) inside your premises.

During this process, the installer may need to make modifications to your premise, including fixing the required hardware to the interior and exterior.

Most nbntm technicians will install your modem/router for you; however some may leave this for you to do yourself. We provide instructions on how to install our modems with all nbntm technology types making it simple for you.

In addition, the technician should clean up after installation and they may show you the work that has been completed.

 

Can I specify the location of my NBN equipment?

When the nbntm technician arrives, you should discuss with them the most appropriate location for any nbntm equipment, which may include a Network Termination Unit (NTU), Wall Plate or both.

 

What happens if there is an issue on the day?

If the technician comes across an issue when attempting to connect the nbntm to your premise, they may need to request to reschedule a connection date & time. They won’t do this with you directly instead, they’ll notify nbncotm of the issue so they can reschedule with us. We will then communicate the new date and time to you.