Prepare now to help stay connected in emergencies
2-minute read
As Australia heads into another higher-risk weather season, discover the simple steps you can take now to help stay connected during emergencies.
At nbn, we’re continuing to help keep communities connected when it matters most.
This year, we’ve increased emergency response capability, pre-positioned critical infrastructure (such as generators) in high-risk areas and continue to monitor the nbn® network 24/7 through our Network Management Centre.
These generators and other equipment can help fill gaps in the network and maintain connectivity while power is restored or infrastructure repaired following extreme weather events.
Download Emergency Preparedness Fact Sheets
nbn full fibre – a more resilient network
Our continued rollout of nbn full fibre via Fibre to the Premises technology is also helping the nbn network to become more resilient to the effects of extreme weather events.
Fibre is less vulnerable to environmental damage and water ingress than copper-based technologies, and can maintain stable performance even in high-risk conditions.
This means fewer faults, faster restoration times and more consistent connectivity in more places.
Simple steps to help stay connected during emergencies
While we continue to strengthen our network and prepare for emergencies, there are some simple steps you can take to help stay connected.
Be prepared
Most unplanned nbn outages are caused by power blackouts, so if it’s important for your household, business or community group to remain connected, consider exploring alternative communication and power solutions.
Regularly test these solutions to help them function effectively during emergencies.
It’s also essential to understand your local council’s emergency management plans and to know where to go in times of crisis.
Stay mobile
Create an emergency kit with a fully-charged mobile phone and portable battery pack. This could be invaluable during power outages or if your nbn network connection is affected. Remember to conserve your battery by turning off mobile data for non-essential apps.
Stay updated
During emergencies, local radio provides crucial information. Include a battery-powered radio in your emergency kit. Additionally, follow emergency services on social and news channels, including State Fire and Rescue, Police, and services like nbn (@NBN_Australia).
Backup
Ensure you can access critical information and essential documents from anywhere. Consider creating digital backups on a USB drive or in the cloud. These documents may include insurance policies and financial records.
Important reminder: when our network is unavailable
When the nbn network is unavailable, it’s important to remember that services delivered over our network will not operate.
This includes telephony services provided by phone and internet providers over the nbn network, which means calls to Triple Zero (000) will not be possible via those services.
Calls to 000 may still be possible using a mobile phone with coverage or a Wi-Fi router with mobile network backup capability.
During emergency events, nbn provides updates about outages directly to phone and internet providers and via the Outages page on our website.
Preparing year-round
Teams work year-round to prepare the nbn network and support communities for whatever the season is set to bring, says John Parkin, Chief Operations Officer at nbn.
“The nbn network is built for resilience and is becoming more so every day thanks to continued investment in our fibre upgrade program, our ingoing investments in backup power, and emergency response capabilities.
“While extreme weather events can still cause unavoidable outages, being prepared at an individual and community level can make a powerful difference in how people stay safe, and how quickly they recover and reconnect.”
John Parkin, Chief Operations Officer at nbn