A lot of people are worrying right now about how NBN will have an impact on your alarm system and services. You are not alone if you are one of them. As people all over the country prepare as Australia moves towards changing from the old infrastructure to the new, not everyone understands it, and it has created confusion. Whoever your security is with, they will continue to monitor your system. There is quite an easy way to make sure your alarm connects to the NBN with no outrageous costs. So here is how to connect an alarm to NBN.
What is NBN?
NBN stands for National Broadband Network. This refers to the fact that Australia is in the process of upgrading the internet and phone infrastructure with the aim being to improve everyone’s reliability and speed in their internet services. In today’s age when so much is about phones and internet services, this is not just a good thing for individuals. It will help businesses perform better, help schools educate better and more. The plan is that by the end of 2020 there will be 8 million businesses and homes connected to the network that uses optic fibre. But despite the obvious benefits, when people are perfectly happy with the system they have there are understandable concerns. Old connections will not work once the rollout of the NBN completes
What are the key concerns?
The two main concerns with the network are compatibility and what happens when there is a power outage.
Compatibility – So the internet network and the fixed phone lines are going through an upgrade with a fibre network. When you have the fibre installed where you are, you then have a year and a half to see one of the retail service providers in your area and choose one of their NBN services. After those 18 months the old network will no longer, it will be disconnected. There will not be fixed-line telephones anymore in most homes and businesses. If you need to use the internet or make calls you need to have NBN services. The problem comes with people’s security systems in their businesses and homes. Most alarm systems right now are designed for the old network and not all will be compatible with the new, especially the older security systems. It is easier to connect an alarm to NBN when they are more recently developed.
Power outages could cause problems – Another concern is power outages as even if your security system does work when the power drops that means the NBN is not working so your alarm system is not working. There is a need for a backup power supply.
Keep protecting your home and loved ones
Thankfully a trusted security service will be able to help you to ensure you can connect an alarm to NBN. You can continue to protect your property and the people you love. Some will even offer this for free. So if you do still have an old phone line do not panic about the changes, talk to your security provider.
Commonly asked questions
A lot of people still have a lot of questions about this change. It is something that is on their minds. There are four main questions that come up over and over though so here is a look at them and what the answers are! Hopefully, it answers your top questions.
Can I just ignore it?
We know that a lot of people are just not interested in change. Everything works fine right now so can you just let other people worry about it and get on with it, and ignore it? Sadly the answer to that one is no. Once your area has had that network installed you have 18 months to switch. The old lines will not work. You will not be able to use anything that uses the old lines including your security system. When your security system notices a break in or something abnormal and tries to call into the control room nothing will happen because that old line is gone. There is not the option to have some people on the old lines and some on the new.
Can I keep the alarm I have?
It is very likely you can keep your alarm so do not think this means you have to get something new. A lot of alarms can actually connect to the new system so you can keep them and it can move over. A small percentage of people on old systems might have more trouble so it may be a good idea to update. Instead of being on a phone line, your security will be on the 4G network.
Will the NBN alarm be much better?
There are advantages when you connect an alarm to NBN. It is more secure, you can track and monitor things from your mobile phone, responses are quicker and there is a better connection and communication between the monitoring centres, homes and businesses.
I keep hearing there is a problem if the power goes out?
This is something we have mentioned but it is something people are concerned about. The NBN is affected by power outages, where the phone lines were not. Should something affect the power in your area, it means if the NBN goes down, your security system goes down too. But the answer is having a battery backup. You will still maintain a level of security even when the power goes.
Summary
NBN is coming if it has not already to where you are. Use a trusted and professional security service and they can ensure there are no problems when they connect an alarm to NBN for you in your area. Technology advances, things move forward. How something once was is not how it might still be now or tomorrow. The NBN has real advantages so talk to your security service and your retail service provider if you want to know more.
