- Not all phone handsets are NBN compatible. You may need to switch to VoiP instead of maintaining a landline.
- Learn how to set up your NBN compatible phones with NBN depending on the connection type available on your premises.
- Raedy to switch to NBN? We have the answers to your FAQs.
So you have switched to the NBN and you’re waiting to get your hands on Australia’s fastest internet connection service. If you have an existing phone line, you’re probably wondering how you can connect your home phone to the NBN. It’s quite simple actually, but at the same time, it depends on the connection available in your area.
NBN allows both your internet and telephone to work over the internet connection. What this means is that with the NBN, you don’t need to plug your handset into the old-copper phone wall socket. You can simply plug it into either the modem or connection box that comes with your plan.
Let’s dig in a little deeper.
What Types of Phones Won’t Work for on the NBN
Unfortunately, not all telephone models are NBN compatible. Phones that use ‘pulse dialling’ including non-touch old rotary dial handsets won’t work on an NBN voice service. If you have a traditional landline, connecting it to the NBN can be a struggle. You may want to ditch your old handset altogether and go with VoiP. To check if your device is NBN compatible, you can check here.
VoiP is Voice over Internet Protocol which allows you to make phone calls using the internet. If you make frequent business calls locally or internationally, then you should consider getting a plan that includes VoiP services either through a pay-as-you-go model or a monthly add-on. The downside though is that VoiP requires electricity as compared to traditional phone lines which can operate even during power outages.
To learn more about VoiP on the NBN, read through our quick guide here.
How to Connect Your Phone to the NBN
How you can link your phone to the NBN depends on the connection type you have on your premises. Let’s look at the process of how you can connect your handset to the NBN through each connection type.
Fibre to the Building (FTTB) and Fibre to the Node (FTTN)
If you are on the FTTB or FTTN, you can simply plug your home phone directly into your modem. There should be able to find a port at the back of your modem where you can plugin your handset. If issues persist, consult an NBN technician.
Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)
If you are on the FTTP, there are two ways to connect your phone to the NBN.
- Directly plug your phone directly into the modem provided by your ISP.
- If you don’t have a modem, you may use the NBN connection box. You should be able to find the same port at the back of your box for a phone line.
One disadvantage of VoiP is that since it’s internet-reliant, you can expect the connection to drop off when there’s a power out. But the good news is that most providers give you an optional battery backup unit as part of your home service on the NBN. You can rely on the backup to get you connected especially during natural emergency situations.
Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC)
If your area has HFC NBN connection, you can plug your home phone directly into the green port of your modem. From there, your modem should be plugged into the NBN connection box.
Fixed Wireless
Fixed wireless connection provides flexibility to consumers and you can choose to keep your existing phone line. Otherwise, if you’re heavily using your mobile phone or internet-based communication apps, it would be more cost-efficient to ditch your phone line altogether.
If you have an NBN compatible handset and you want to keep it, you should be able to connect it easily through your NBN connection box.
What People also Ask about the NBN
- Where to place/install the NBN connection box?
Ideally, you should put the NBN connection box in an area where you use your home phone. Either way, you shouldn’t worry about this. Your qualified NBN technician will guide you on where to install the NBN connection box when they come to visit.
- Can additional phone sockets work with the NBN?
The quick answer is no. Additional phone sockets will not work unless these are re-wired on the NBN.
Need a New NBN Plan?
Excited to avail Australia’s fastest internet connection yet? We’ve analysed and reviewed hundreds of plans and deals offered by different internet providers so you don’t have to. Find the best NBN plans available in your area here.
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