Media release
iiNet: Most Aussies unaware of copper cut-off
22 May 2014: iiNet-commissioned research reveals that more than two thirds of Australians believe that connecting to the NBN is a choice, despite thousands of people nationwide facing tomorrow's deadline for the first compulsory cut-offs from the traditional copper telephone network.
The survey discovered 67 per cent of adult Australians thought connecting to the NBN was optional, and they would be allowed to keep their existing broadband connection.
NBN Co has previously announced that it will start disconnecting the old telephone network in 15 first release areas from May 23, 2014, leaving consumers and businesses to rely exclusively on the new network for Internet and phone services.
The report, Familiarity & Understanding of the NBN*, also found that half of those surveyed do not know how to get an NBN service connected at their house.
Other disturbing findings include that 41 per cent of respondents had very little understanding of the changes - while eight per cent had never heard of the NBN.
iiNet Product Manager, Rachael McIntyre, said the report’s finding were surprising given that the $37 billion project was already four years into its build phase. “The biggest surprise was that more than two thirds of these broadband users were not aware that moving to fibre is compulsory,” she said.
"Tomorrow, residents in 15 areas throughout Australia, from Tasmania to Townsville and from Willunga to Armidale, arrive at the May 23 deadline when NBN Co has said it will start disconnecting the old copper network.
"While NBN Co has spent a lot of time, energy and money notifying people about this major transition from copper to fibre, the simple message is - it is actually very easy to move Internet and phone connections to an iiNet service on the new fibre."
Despite the report revealing that 20 per cent of people believe NBN Co will become their Internet provider, Rachael McIntyre said customers could only make the transition through a Retail Service Provider like iiNet.
"The first step is simply contacting a broadband provider like iiNet to make the switch," she said. "We will help customers select the best telephone and Internet plan, and manage the entire transition to a new iiNet fibre service."
"Consumers will benefit from much improved performance when they switch over and shouldn't hesitate to get the ball rolling. They can stick with their existing service provider or give iiNet's friendly team a call on 13 19 17."
"We don't expect Australians to be NBN experts, that's our job," Rachael concluded.
* Research conducted by Hall & Partners Open Mind in April 2014 from a representative online survey of 1200 people (Australian adults in metropolitan areas)
For further information, please contact:
For further information, please contact:
Joseph Crews or Anthony Fisk
Communications - iiNet Group
Ph: +61 8 9214 2210 or media@staff.iinet.net.au
About iiNet
iiNet is Australia’s second largest DSL Internet Service Provider and the leading challenger in the telecommunications market. Publicly listed on the ASX 200, this billion-dollar company has been recognised as a global leader in customer service, winning the Large Business award at the 2013 International Service Excellence Awards. We employ more than 2500 inquisitive staff across three countries - 80 per cent of whom are employed to directly service our 900,000 customers. We maintain our own broadband network and support over 1.7 million broadband, telephony and Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) services nationwide.
We're committed to making it simple for all Australians to connect across both our own network and on the NBN. Our vision is to lead the market with services that harness the potential of the Internet and then differentiate with award-winning customer service.
A full list of current awards can be viewed at iiNet Award /about/awards