The NBN is here in the blue mountains and most suburbs have access to the NBN. While the NBN may show as being available in your suburb, your exact address might not be ready to connect.
About the NBN
The National Broadband Network, or NBN for short, is a high speed broadband network that’s being rolled out by the Australian Government owned NBN.
The NBN is in charge of providing highspeed broadband connections to every home and office in Australia. It is also giving telephone and internet service providers access to the NBN so they can deliver services like telephony, entertainment, security and e-health to homes and businesses.
If you would like to know whether your address is ready, to www.nbnco.com.au and enter your address.
With the NBN rollout in the Blue Mountains there have been delays, and checking the NBN co website should provide the most accurate information.
NBN Status in Blue Moutains
| Suburb | Status | NBN Technology | Available |
| Lapstone | Build Commenced | FTTC | September 2019 |
| Glenbrook | Build Commenced | FTTC | September 2019 |
| Blaxland | Build Commenced | FTTC | December 2019 |
| Warimoo | Build Commenced | FTTC | December 2019 |
| Sun Valley | Build Commenced | FTTC | April 2020 |
| Valley Heights | Available | FTTC | Now |
| Winmalee | Build Commenced | FTTC | October 2019 |
| Yellow Rock | Build Commenced | FTTC | October 2019 |
| Springwood | Available | FTTC | Now |
| Faulconbridge | Build Commenced | FTTC | December 2019 |
| Linden | Build Commenced | FTTC | November 2019 |
| Woodford | Build Commenced | FTTC | November 2019 |
| Hazelbrook | Build Commenced | FTTC | November 2019 |
| Lawson | Available | FTTN | Now |
| Bullaburra | Available | FTTN | Now |
| Wentworth Falls | Available | FTTN | Now |
| Leura | Available | FTTN | Now |
| Katoomba | Available | FTTN | Now |
| Medlow Bath | Available | FTTN | Now |
| Blackheath | Available | FTTN | Now |
| Mount Victoria | Available | FTTN | Now |
| Little Hartley | Available | Fixed Wireless | Now |
Current as of 13th September 2019
NBN Frequently asked questions
Q: Do I have to connect to the NBN?
A: If you would like a phone or internet service, then your premises will need to be connect to the NBN once it is available.
Q: Will I lose my phone number (landline)?
A: No, you can keep your landline number. However, this will change from being analogue to digital. You can still use your current handset, but you will need a modem designed for this or an Analog Telephone Adapter (known as an ATA). Because the phone will be coming through an internet connection you will need an internet service and a VoIP service (Voice of IP).
Q: I don’t want the internet, just my phone. Do I need an internet service?
A: Yes. You will need an internet service to have a home phone.
Q: Will I need to pay line rental?
A: No. The only bill should be for your Internet Service and a VoIP number. Most providers will bundle these together.
Q: How much does it cost to connect to the NBN?
A: It shouldn’t cost anything to connect to the NBN. The only fees to pay will be a setup or connection fee with your Internet Service Provider and for a compatible modem.
Q: Will my landline work in a blackout if its connected to the NBN?
A: No. If there is a blackout in your area the NBN will not work. You should have a mobile phone charged in the event of a power outage.
NBN Technology overview
Fibre to the Curb (FTTC)
Landline phone and internet services won’t work in the event of a power outage within the NBN Fibre to the Curb network or within your premises. Unfortunately, restoring power with an alternative power option is not possible if the NBN FTTC network is also experiencing a power loss. Consider keeping a charged mobile phone nearby in the instance of a power outage.
Fibre to the Node (FTTN)
Landline phone and internet services won’t work in the event of a power outage within the NBN Fibre to the Node network or within your premises. Unfortunately, restoring power with an alternative power option is not possible if the NBN FTTN network is also experiencing a power loss. Consider keeping a charged mobile phone nearby in the instance of a power outage.
Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC)
An NBN Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) connection is used in circumstances where the existing ‘pay TV’ or cable network can be used to make the final part of the NBN access network connection. In this circumstance an HFC line will be run from the nearest available fibre node, to your premises.
HFC connections require an NBN access network device to be installed at the point where the line enters your home. This device requires power to operate, and can be installed by an approved NBN installer or service provider.
Fixed Wireless (FW)
An NBN Fixed Wireless connection utilises data transmitted over radio signals to connect a premises to the NBN broadband access network.
This connection is typically used in circumstances where the distance between premises can be many kilometres. Data travels from a transmission tower located as far as 14 kilometres, to an NBN outdoor antenna that has been fitted to the premises by an approved NBN installer.
Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)
Fibre to the Premises, NBN supplies and installs a connection box within your home or business. This box needs to be connected to the power in order to work.
Your phone or internet provider may supply a battery back-up as part of your Power Supply unit, however you will need to speak to them if you would like to order one.
When it comes to your telephone, this service will need to be used with a device that doesn’t require mains electricity in order to operate. Unless you have battery back-up and a corded telephone correctly connected, your phone will not work during a blackout.