NBN Co sets up medical device register

Ahead of the disconnection of the first copper phone lines to be replaced with the NBN, NBN Co has set up a medical alarm register to help seniors and others migrate the services to the national network.

Copper phone lines for the first 15 NBN communities in Tasmania, Victoria, NSW, Queensland and South Australia will be switched off on 23 May.

To support the migration of medical alarms making use of existing telecom connections to the NBN, individuals using these systems can register to receive assistance making the switch once the time comes. NBN Co will take registrations online and through a freecall number: 1800 227 300.

Existing medical alert systems may require in-home wiring changes to operate over the new network. NBN Co recommends customers using such systems contact their phone company or internet service provider and arrange to have any wiring changes done.

NBN Co chief communications officer John Simon urged residents and businesses relying on special equipment including medical and security alarms to contact their preferred ISP as soon as possible to ensure their devices can continue to operate under the NBN.

“The most important thing for residents and businesses to know is that the move to the NBN is not automatic,” he said, noting that even residents subscribing only to basic telephony services will need to contact their providers about the migration.

Businesses should also determine whether fire alarms, elevator phones, EFTPOS and ATM machines will be disrupted by the copper switch-off, he said.

Image courtesy of James Halliday under CC