Last week I caught up with an ex-colleague who works at NBN. We got onto the subject of my move to NBN internet services with the usual questions came up of why did you move, what worked and what didn’t work?
Why did I migrate to NBN?
- My ADSL service was woeful! No other ADSL service provider could improve it. Anything was better than the twisted pair disaster I struggled with under the guise of a ‘business grade’ ADSL 2+ solution.
- The HFC network was already at my house.
- Family friendly solution to stream – streaming and internet use was growing
What did work?
The process was straight forward. My appointment was scheduled within 2 weeks of order placement, they arrived on the day within the allocated window. It took 25 minutes from start to finish with my service connected and the internet service was up and running. Was this a dream – something had to go wrong?
What did not work during or since my NBN conversion?
- I have Internet dropouts but I track and log them (easy to do, and well worth doing). They are more frequent than I thought they would be (on average, 30-80 seconds duration randomly distributed 3-8 times across a week).
- My landline solution was not ported in time and I had to remind my RSP about a week after the internet was working to get it done.
- I still get kerbside mail from NBN Co to ‘join them’, obviously the customer portal does not line up with services, places and people.
What do you need to consider in your conversion:
- Choose wisely on who and when to convert to NBN and an RSP (This is a blog in itself!). Sometimes cheap does not mean good service (especially if you need above average technical support).
- What internet speed you really need? Do you have 5 simultaneous devices streaming video?
- How do you intend to get that data streams to your devices, e.g. cable, wireless (and another blog for this topic)?
- Do an assessment and overhaul on your WiFi setup at the same time as going to NBN – how old is your WiFi router, outstanding updates, its physical location, WiFi band capability/capacity (and another blog in itself)!
- If you are moving out for a renovation you better check on when NBN services will be ready, it could be after you have moved back in. There was an18 month service connection lapse (forced transfer to NBN service) once they have passed your premises.
- Check, double check and triple check what type of service NBN is delivering to your premise. I now have a VOIP landline service meaning I had to use my RSPs router (to terminate the VOIP). Look at the logistics, powerpoint, space, heat expulsion, etc in your telco/comms/internet shelf/cupboard/rack/room. Ask your RSP what the changes will be, challenge them on how it may impact your specific services, e.g your alarm, a Vital call service, etc.
Obviously there is a lot more to talk about with NBN service and selection but I hope the above 6 points provides a starting point on what you need to consider.
A note to readers. I am not paid by NBN. I do not receive any goods/services from any RSP. I do recommend you measure the service performance over time to enable a reference point if you see service degradation.
Stay safe. Be smart!