Copper phone services in the Queensland city in Toowoomba are set to be switched off this Wednesday as part of the transition to the National Broadband Network.
The area to switch over includes businesses east of the New England Highway, west of Lindsay Street, south of Bridge Street and north of Margaret Street.
Residents in the affected area who do not switch over to the NBN will continue to receive a “soft” dial tone for up to 20 days that will allow them to dial triple zero or call Telstra’s fault line.
However, all other calls will be blocked and ADSL internet services on those lines will be disconnected.
Small businesses with fax machines, EFTPOS terminals, security systems and medical alert systems that rely on a fixed line internet account are urged to contact their telephone carrier and alarm provider immediately.
Businesses in the affected area with an emergency lift phone or a fire indicator panel are encouraged to register it ahead of the switchover by calling 1800 687 626. Likewise, users of medical alert systems are advised to register their devices on the NBN Co’s Medical Alarm Register by calling 1800 227 300.
Andrew Sadauskas is a former journalist at SmartCompany and a former editor of TechCompany.
