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NewsTwo things all FiftyUps should know about the NBN
Two things all FiftyUps should know about the NBN

Two things all FiftyUps should know about the NBN

Tags: Telco & Broadband
Last updated by Kayley Harris on

There is so much happening that FiftyUps need to know about in the telco space at the moment, it’s hard to know where to start.

But because it affects all of us to some degree, it’s important to understand what it means for you…

Let’s break it down into two categories, those who use data and those who don’t.

YES I USE DATA

Here’s what you guys need to know. Following mass complaints about speeds, Telcos have reduced their NBN prices, with some customers saving an average of $120 a year.

Most major NBN providers have announced cheaper prices for plans with speeds of 50 Mbps or more and some smaller players are planning to introduce a 50 Mbps product in coming months.

Anthony Klan from The Australian reports 80% of people connected to the NBN are currently on 25 Mbps or slower plans

Kenny McGilvary from comparison site Whistleout, said “We would strongly recommend that any NBN users currently on a 25 plan contact their provider to request a free upgrade to [a 50 Mbps speed], since 50 plans are now being sold at 25 prices.

Be cautious though about signing up long-term with any telco right now since you'll be locked in for a long time and pricing will keep changing.

Here are WhistleOut’s top NBN plans on the 50Mbps speed:

NO I DON’T USE DATA

Many golden oldies still use a landline as their connection to the outside world. Family and friends of the same demographic still call on it and it’s even used to book medical appointments and get the correct time via the speaking clock! (The number is 1194 by the way and his name is George)

But when the NBN comes to your area, you have 18months until the copper cable is disconnected, creating problems for some older people.

Tech guru Trevor Long from EFTM.com.au says “One of the most confusing points for our over 50's - some of whom just "don't want the NBN" but in fact what they are saying is they don't want the internet. They don't realise that to get a landline phone you need an NBN service of some kind.”

Trevor says “In this day and age, where unlimited calls and texts are available on almost all mobile plans, it makes sense to use a mobile instead of a landline.”

And there are services bridging the gap such as myhomephone

If you’re worried about losing that landline, be assured that the NBN sends up to five letters to each home warning of the disconnection and additional correspondence will be sent by your telco provider. If you receive one of these letters, talk to your telco.

Remember, the NBN replaces all existing telecommunications networks.

Here’s a collection of the cheapest NBN plans form WhistleOut:

 

Originally posted on .

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Someone
Someone from NSW commented:

Some RSPs provide a basic phone only service for seniors but you have to ask (e.g. Telstra) as they normally don't advertise. Alternatively ask your current phone provider before if they do this before you switch to NBN. 

Peter
Peter from NSW commented:

Whats the thinking on going all mobile with about 50 or 100GB of data? We get a bill for our landline about $140 per quarter, with only about $5 worth of local calls in it. Doesnt add up. Peter B. 

Carolyn
Carolyn from WA commented:

Im with optus on $85 a month and only get 23 mbps 

Gertraud
Gertraud from ACT commented:

Looking at the deals for broadband with phone, the first offer of $40.00 is for the first six months only, then goes up to $60.00 per month. This and the one below don't indicate whether phone calls are included in their base price. The third includes phone calls when you take the NBN and phone option at a minimum of $68.00, this leaves only the last provider on that list, which includes phone calls in their $49.00 per month deal. 

Helmut
Helmut from NSW replied to Gertraud:

Helmut from NSW I use Dodo NBN with 50 GB usage at a cost of $ 39.9per month. You can add your phone for $ 10 per month with unlimited local and national calls but you have to pay 44 cents for each 1300 number.Try to find out the local No you can ring to avoid the 1300 No. For international calls join go talk phone card or similar which costs 5c per min.to Europe and a lot of other countries 

Helmut
Helmut from NSW replied to Helmut:

I forgot. All calls to mobiles are also included 

Dana
Dana from QLD replied to Helmut:

Helmut from NSW, our NBN provider told us that we no longer have to pay for the 1300 phone calls as the calls are going through the internet and not the exchange. For mobile phone pre-paid users, Aldi use the Telstra network and charge 12 cents a min. and good for 365 days. 

Veronica
Veronica from NSW commented:

My sister doesnt have the internet, a computer or an ipad...she does have an old mobile on pre[aid when she can affors it, she is on the pension. She has a landline which she relies on, what will happen when the NBN comes her way?? 

Someone
Someone from QLD replied to Veronica:

They will supply a box to the house she can plug her phone into. 

Someone
Someone from NSW commented:

We have just concluded a battle with Telstra via the Ombudsman and achieved a large return of funds for the manner in which Telstra changed our previous deal from $29 per month for the internet to $59 without prior knowledge or discussion - and are still charging us $59 per month stating that our $29 plan was no longer available - I now see they are offering a $59.00 plan for the NBN and you guessed it the NBN is still not available in our area - we have now gone to prepaid mobile which cost us around $50 a quarter and do not make calls on our phone line which is saving us quite a bit now - unless the Telco's come to a reasonable cost for the NBN for both phone and internet we will leave both - if you are having a bad time with any of the Telco companies the Ombudsman can certainly help you 

Dana
Dana from QLD commented:

Anonymous from Qld. or somone who might know, would you please provide more info, on supplying a box to the house, e.g. who are 'they'? NBN? the Telco? Thanks. 

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