Technologies/systems/devices

• PBX systems or multiple phone lines – PBX stands for Private Branch Exchange, which is a private telephone network used within a company.
• Fax machines or fax lines – A device that can scan a page and send it to another fax machine over an ordinary phone service. 
• ATM on site – Automatic teller or banking machine that dispenses cash or performs other banking services remotely. 
• EFTPOS terminals – A machine that accepts credit, debit and ATM card payments at the point of sale. 
• HICAPS or health claim terminals – Enables a health service provider (such as a dentist or a GP) to process your private health insurance or Medicare claim on the spot at the time of payment. 
• Monitored security alarms or cameras – A 'back to base' security system that automatically contacts a security monitoring company when an alarm is triggered. 
• Fire alarms – A fire alarm system that automatically contacts a fire response service when an alarm is triggered. Can also be called a 'back to base' fire alarm. 
• Lift emergency phones – Emergency phone in your lift or elevator that allows trapped passengers to call for help in the event of a lift failure. 
• Medical alarms – A medical alarm/alert system that uses the internet or a phone line to automatically communicate with your professional monitoring service in the event of an emergency. 
• Modems/routers – A modem connects your site to the nbn™ network and a Wi-Fi router provides a wireless Wi-Fi connection to devices at your premises. Depending on the technology used to connect your business, the modem and router may be in the same physical device provided by your service provider.

Premises definitions

Strata/body corporate permissions

Placement of connection box

You won’t get to choose where the external utility box is placed, however you do have a choice in where the internal equipment is installed. The ideal location for an nbn™ connection box or Network Terminating Device (NTD) is a server room or communications room.

Consider the placement of your modem in relation to the nbn™ connection box, as the more central your modem, the better your Wi-Fi coverage. You may need to engage a registered cabler to run network cabling from the server room to your modem – this will enable you to place your modem in a more centralised position.

Understanding the location of your server or communications room and having access before connection day will help you when it comes to installing your NTD.

Leasing/renting 

PBX systems or multiple phone lines

Multiple phone lines on a PBX system can be complex to migrate. It’s critical for your phone system to be ready for the nbn™ network. Typically PBX systems use the existing ISDN line which will be removed as part of our nationwide upgrade of parts of the telecommunications network.⁺

Businesses that operate with a single phone line can have their phone number ported to a telephony service that will operate over the nbn™ network on a bundled service with internet access. For businesses that operate with multiple lines using a PBX phone system the same principle applies, but it is a little more complex. 

Prepare to move your service 

Multiple phone numbers will need to be ported to a SIP trunk service or a hosted PBX service. Hosted PBX and SIP trunk services are business VOIP systems that operate across the nbn™ network. The transition can be complex for some customers but with the right support, the process can be smooth. Talk to an ICT adviser or your service provider to find out when you need to start preparing, as it’s important to allow enough time to transition your business phone lines.

Upgrade your business phone system 

Some phone systems that work on your current network will not be compatible with a SIP trunk service that is needed to work over the nbn™ network. These systems will require an upgrade. Talk to an ICT adviser about your business needs and consider using this opportunity to future proof your phone system with the most advanced and current telecommunications technology.

Fax machines or fax lines

Older fax services are based on legacy copper technology which transmits fax via the traditional telephone exchange. After the nbn™ network is rolled out in your area the traditional telephone exchange will eventually become redundant and all communication will be transmitted via the nbn™ network or an alternative fibre network. 

Prepare to move your service

Before migrating your fax services to the nbn™ network, contact your service provider for advice on how to use a fax with the phone service provided over the network. Ensure the service provider confirms that the phone service will support fax capabilities.

You won’t need to upgrade your fax machine itself; whether or not your machine works over the nbn™ network is based on your service provider’s phone service and whether it is capable of supporting a fax service.

Consider new technologies

A fax-to-email service can remove the need for a fax machine running over a phone line. Talk to an ICT adviser about what you can do to future proof your business communications.

Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) on site 

ATMs are connected through a variety of methods – these include dial-up modem over a standard phone line, ethernet to a broadband connection, DSL and mobile network connectivity.  

All of these methods, except mobile networks and Ethernet to a broadband connections with existing fibre networks, will be impacted by the transition to the nbn™ network. 

Preparing to connect your service

Talk to a service provider and ATM supplier about how to connect your ATM. If the ATM you’re connecting is bank owned, contact the bank to find out how they plan to arrange for the ATM to be migrated off its existing connection.

If the ATM is owned by your business, contact the ATM equipment supplier to confirm how the ATM connects to the nbn™ network and what will need to be done during the migration.

Keep in mind, a security guard may be required onsite during the changeover and the bank or ATM supplier will be able to advise on the best way to manage this process.

EFTPOS/payment terminals 

EFTPOS/payment terminals use a variety of different connectivity methods – these include dial-up over a standard phone line, mobile networks and Ethernet (to an existing broadband connection).

If the terminal uses a standard phone line, it will most likely need to be upgraded to a new one that is capable of working on a mobile network or Ethernet connection. Dial-up modem transmissions are unlikely to work reliably when connected to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone service over the nbn™ network. Usually the terminals are owned by the bank or terminal provider, so any necessary upgrade costs may be covered by them.

Prepare to move your EFTPOS/payment service

Check the cables of the terminal and base station. If a standard phone cable is connected, then the terminal will likely need to be upgraded. Contact your bank or terminal provider to start the process. 

If there is an Ethernet cable connected to the router, then the likely solution is to reconnect the cable into the new nbn™ compatible modem supplied by your service provider.

If the connection only has a single power cable, then the terminal most likely uses a mobile network for its connection. You can usually check this by looking on the screen of the terminal and looking for “3G” or “4G” symbols which indicate a mobile connection. These terminals won’t be impacted by the transition to the nbn™ network.  

If you’re unsure, contact your bank or payment terminal provider and they can advise on what needs to be done. 

Consider allowing at least six weeks before your migration to the nbn™ network, in case the terminal needs to be replaced by your bank or terminal provider.  

Consider going wireless

Ask your bank if they can provide a mobile connected EFTPOS terminal. This will operate independently from the nbn™ network and won’t be impacted when your service is migrated across. 

HICAPS or health claim terminals

HICAPS or health claim terminals usually rely on fixed line networks. As a result, there are many private health insurance claim terminals that will be impacted by the move to the nbn™ network.  

Prepare to move your service

Check the cabling of the terminal or base station. If there is a telephone cable connected, the terminal will most likely need to be upgraded. Dial up modem calls are unlikely to work reliably when connected to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone service over the nbn™ network. Contact your HICAPS or health claim terminal provider to request an updated terminal that uses a broadband connection. 

If the terminal is connected to a broadband service, it should simply be a matter of reconnecting the Ethernet cable to the new nbn™ compatible modem supplied by your service provider. Consider allowing at least six weeks before your migration to the nbn™ network, in case the terminal needs to be replaced by your service provider.  

Consider going wireless

If your terminal only processes Medicare claims (not private health insurance), there are updated terminals available that use a mobile network connection. This will operate independently from the nbn™ network and won’t be impacted when your service is migrated. 

Monitored security alarms or cameras

When connecting your existing security alarm system and/or cameras to the nbn™ network, it is important to check whether your system is compatible, as some older alarm systems may not work. Most existing alarm systems are designed to transmit signals via traditional copper voice-based phone lines. 

Prepare to move your service

Talk to a service provider and alarm provider about whether your alarm system will be impacted by your migration to the nbn™ network. In some cases, it may be possible to connect your alarm to the telephone port on your nbn™ compatible modem. However, you will need to get a registered cabler to help connect your existing telephone wiring to your modem.

Your alarm may not function correctly when connected over a telephone service provided over the nbn™ network. You should talk to your alarm provider about how to conduct a thorough test to ensure your alarm is functioning correctly. Keep in mind, your alarm may not function in a power blackout. 

Consider going wireless

Many security companies are recommending, among other options, wireless security networks. You could consider a transition to a wireless security solution, using 4G rather than connecting directly via services over the nbn™ network.

Wireless security systems are mostly battery backed, so this is the best way to help ensure your security system is live and functioning even in a power outage.

Fire alarms

As nbn is replacing most existing landline phone and internet networks across Australia^#, your existing monitored fire alarm and fire indicator panel may not be compatible with the nbn™ network and will not operate during a power outage. Most existing alarm systems are designed to transmit signals via traditional copper voice-based phone lines.

Prepare to move your service

Getting your fire alarm/fire indicator panel ready prior to the disconnection date is something you’ll need to consider months in advance as it won’t happen automatically.

• Talk to your monitored fire alarm provider about your options for migrating your alarm to an alternative access technology prior to the disconnection of your current service.
• Once the alarm has been migrated, work with your monitored fire alarm provider, and equipment providers, to make sure everything is working properly.

Medical alarms

As nbn is replacing most existing landline phone and internet networks across Australia^#, your existing medical alarm may not be fully compatible with the nbn™ network and will not operate during a power outage. 

Check your alarm compatibility

Speak to your alarm provider or manufacturer to check if your device is compatible with the nbn™ network. Your provider may suggest upgrading to a new alarm that has a back-up battery and connects via a mobile network. That way your alarm can still work during a power or nbn™ network outage.

Connect your service

Your current phone service linked to your medical alarm will not automatically move across to the nbn™ network. Therefore, you will need to speak to your service provider about establishing your new phone service with the nbn™ network.

Once your new phone service is active on the nbn™ network, you can connect your medical alarm to the network, if your device manufacturer advises you to do so.

Test your alarm

You will need to test your alarm after it’s been successfully connected to the network. Any further support requests will need to be directed to your alarm supplier or service provider.

Consider going wireless

Chat with your alarm provider – they may suggest a new model that uses a battery back-up and can connect over a mobile network. That way your alarm can still work, even during a power or nbn™ network outage.

Modems/routers

When your business depends on the internet, selecting the right modem/router is important. The first step is to understand what features you need and the differences between each model.

Generally, wireless modems or routers are preferable for small businesses, as these will connect with your mobile devices such as phones and laptops wirelessly. Your service provider will supply a modem or router with your new nbn™ connection and you should check with them in advance, whether it will meet the needs of your business.

For larger businesses you may need to talk to an ICT partner about your networking strategy and what devices will be compatible with your new business grade nbn™ service.

Consider upgrading your modem

Some modems perform very differently to others. If you’re dissatisfied with the default device you were initially supplied with, you may want to consider upgrading to a high performance modem. Upgraded modems have a range of helpful features.

Here are some features to look out for:

• Additional antennas: For potentially faster and more reliable Wi-Fi at a longer range, look for modems with antenna specifications referenced as “4x4” (four antennas that transmit data).
• Multiple Wi-Fi bands and band steering: Band steering devices will automatically select and push your device to the best band (2.4Ghz or 5Ghz).
• Active device management: Some service providers actively monitor and manage the Wi-Fi performance of your modem. This makes it easier for providers to help you with any issues.
• Beam forming: This allows devices to direct the Wi-Fi signal towards your modem, which can lead to higher signal strength, speed and stability.
• Supports additional access points: Additional access points like Wi-Fi extenders or Wi-Fi mesh can connect wirelessly to your existing modem to improve Wi-Fi signal in dead spots around your home.

We recommend that you do some research online and find the solution that works best for you, within your budget. Like most things in life you generally ‘get what you pay for’. As such generally the more expensive devices will perform better as they have higher quality components, have more antennas, and a better build quality.

For more information and support about which device to purchase, please speak to your service provider.

Lift emergency phones

With the move across to the nbn™ network, your building will likely be supplied internet and phone technologies using FTTB or FTTN (the main difference is that the locations for the equipment are either in the basement of your building or on the street side).

Although this equipment does have back-up power, there may be situations where the equipment doesn’t hold power due to internal building power issues or even environmental conditions that may impact the emergency lift phone function.

It is a requirement by regulation that all emergency lift phones are functional during power interruptions. During a power outage, the existing landline phone line would normally work, however, after the nbn™ network rollout, your existing connection will no longer be operational during a power outage. This is due to nbn using fibre optic technology in parts of the network which doesn’t carry power. 

Prepare to move your service

If your services are impacted, getting your building lift emergency phone lines ready prior to the disconnection date is something you’ll need to consider months in advance as it won’t happen automatically.^* For instance, your strata committee or body corporate may need to call a general meeting and find an nbn™ compatible lift phone provider – this can take time and may impact the migration.

To help get ready, follow these steps:

• Talk to your lift maintenance provider about your options for migrating your lift emergency phone to an alternative access technology, prior to the disconnection of any impacted services.^*
• Once the lift emergency phone has been migrated, work with your lift maintenance provider to make sure everything is working properly.