Unfortunately, there are times when disasters cannot be avoided. In an emergency affecting the NBN network, critical services like hospitals, fire, police, and emergency services will be reconnected as a priority. 

Before the NBN arrived, you could still make phone calls in a blackout. Without a battery backup, you can’t make those calls and if you have medical devices that have lost power and you don’t have a battery backup, you can’t access medical alarms or the NBN.

Understanding what happens to your NBN connection in an emergency can help you to feel better prepared.

Equipment could go down

During a power blackout, devices connected to the NBN network will not function. Electronic equipment connected to the NBN network requires separate battery backup to operate during power outages, such as modems, cordless phones, or gateway/Wi-Fi routers. The NBN does not provide this backup.

If your connection is Fibre to the Building (FTTB), your landline phones and Internet services will not function during a power outage. However, with Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), you may have the option to install a battery backup as part of a Power Supply unit. 

This backup can provide approximately five hours of power during a blackout, including an initial reserve of three to three and a half hours, with an additional one and a half hours when the ‘Battery Emergency’ button is pressed, according to NBN Co's website.

To determine if you can access the battery backup, contact your phone or Internet service provider. Keep in mind that the backup requires a telephone that does not rely on mains power to operate during an outage. Without a battery backup and a corded phone properly connected, your phone will not work during a blackout.

Do you need emergency services?

A power outage can be inconvenient for everyone, but it can also be dangerous for some individuals. If you believe you are in any danger, it is crucial to call 000 for emergency assistance as soon as possible. 

Due to the influence of American culture, dialling 911 will also connect you to the same emergency line in Australia. Additionally, in the event of a state emergency, you can contact the SES at 132 500.

How does the NBN respond to emergencies?

To address unplanned outages, the NBN has a dedicated emergency response team focused on preparing for and responding to network recovery during emergencies. 

Collaborating with local authorities and emergency services, NBN identifies high-risk areas and critical facilities such as hospitals. 

The network is continually improved to enhance resilience, including measures like vegetation clearance in bushfire-prone areas, cabinet seal checks in flood-prone areas, and stocking operational vehicles with necessary equipment. 

Temporary network infrastructure may also be deployed in areas with extended outage expectations, prioritising emergency services and the community.

Get your emergency kit ready

To prepare for potential Internet service disruptions during an NBN outage, it's recommended to create an emergency kit. 

This kit should include essential items such as a backup phone with a charged battery. Additionally, having a charged mobile phone in your kit can be useful in case of a power outage or any disruption to your NBN network connection.

Connect to Compare Broadband

If you'd like to find out what the best NBN plan is for you when there are no emergencies, you can compare plans by contacting our team at Compare Broadband.