Phone lines taken down

THERE are less than three days before the retirement of copper services in parts of Toowoomba commences.

Telstra regional area manager May Boisen said the countdown was now reaching the final phase for residents and businesses still using copper services in Toowoomba to connect to the NBN fibre network and avoid disconnection of their fixed services.

“In line with the (Federal) Government’s NBN policy, traditional copper-based phone, data and internet services will start to be switched off in parts of Toowoomba from Friday, January 17,” Ms Boisen said.

“Customers in this area who have yet to switch to the NBN need to act now to avoid disruptions to their landline and broadband services.”

Ms Boisen said there was a misconception among some in the community that the disconnection of copper services would not affect landline telephone services.

“Some households who are yet to move across to the NBN currently only have a landline phone. We’re concerned some still believe that voice services aren’t affected by the NBN,” she said.

“We are encouraging community members to check in on loved ones and elderly neighbours to make sure they are fully prepared for the impending disconnection of copper services.

“We also believe many of the remaining premises yet to make the switch are local businesses.

“Transferring services onto the NBN can take some time and co-ordination. We know how important a working phone, data and internet connection is to a business so we’re strongly urging remaining businesses to act today.”