Construction of the fixed line network in Forbes township is complete and residents have about 18 months to switch their services over to what is promised to be a much faster internet network.

“This is exciting news for Forbes as it means that homes and businesses are now able to connect to services over the nbn™ access network through their preferred phone or internet provider,” nbn local spokesperson for New South Wales, Lynette Keep, said.

“Access to fast broadband is designed to provide a range of benefits such as improved opportunities to work from home, better access to online education tools and more options for on-demand entertainment.”

The nbn™ will deliver minimum wholesale speeds of 25 megabits per second to all Australian premises and 50 to most.

The installation of the fixed line began locally in April this year and completes Forbes’ connection to the network.

Fixed wireless NBN was turned on for about 880 homes on the outskirts of town in 2015, the Sky Muster satellite service became available in April 2016.

Ms Keep said it was vital people understood that switching to the nbn™ access network was not automatic.

“They need to contact their preferred provider to place an order for their new internet and phone services,” she said.

NBN Local community engagement manager Jonathon James spoke to Forbes Shire Council at the October meeting last Thursday.

He gave an overview of the rollout of the network, 50 per cent complete in June this year and expected to be 75 per cent done by June 2018.

Mr James explained that even those who only have a landline will be getting their calls through the internet service on the fixed line network.

There is an 18-month window to switch over, but the old network will be switched off after that.

Affected residents will be notified through advertising and through the mail before this happens.

“We would encourage people to do the research and make a decision in a timely manner,” Mr James said.

The nbn replaces most of the traditional landline networks for phone and internet services, including copper and the majority of hybrid fibre coaxial cable, within its fixed line footprint. 

Check your nbn availability online at www.nbnco.com.au/switch then speak to a service provider about connection.