The COVID-19 pandemic has been both a national, as well as a global catastrophe. Millions of lives have been affected negatively worldwide, but fortunately for us; Australia has been swift and effective in containing the spread of the virus.
Since the outbreak began earlier this year, the government has taken a series of measures in a nationwide effort to control and contain the spread of Coronavirus. One of the most influential decisions was to promote self-isolation, and working from home. It has been highly effective in containing the spread of COVID-19, however, a new problem has arisen. Large scale face to face socialisation has been halted to a minimum, but the demand for it in the functioning of society, has remained unchanged. So how was, and how is this problem being handled?
Fairly recently, NBN Co released a document online, outlining their response to COVID-19. They predicted an ‘unprecedented’ increase in internet traffic as more and more Australians begin to rely heavily on the nbn™ network. As we now know, high speed internet is extremely essential when following social isolation and work-from-home guidelines. So, what do we need to know about the impact of COVID-19 on nbn™ connectivity?
Firstly, the ultimate goal is to maintain quality and reliability while catering to the demand for greater bandwidth. As a result of this, NBN Co has committed to limit all non-essential nbn™ network maintenance and minimise planned outages as much as possible. Furthermore, any essential works will occur between midnight and 6 AM to reduce its impact as much as possible. Telstra went even further, aiming to suspend all mandatory disconnections at least until June 30th.
On the 18th of March, NBN Co announced that every network provider was eligible to order increased nbn™ network capacity at no additional costs, vitally boosting nbn™ availability for all. NBN customers may expect an increase in nbn™ network capacity by 40%, for up to three months (from the 18th of March), granted that their network providers choose to order it.
The most impressive gesture came with the $150 Million relief and assistance package from NBN Co. The basic plan is fairly simple to understand, and the funds will be split into three.
The first $50 million is planned to go towards helping internet providers support low-income homes with ‘school-aged children who do not currently have an active nbn™ connection’. In addition, NBN Co has decided to waive its $37/month wholesale charge for internet providers, making nbn™ access even more attainable for low-income households. The second $50 million is planned to go towards helping small and medium-sized businesses get nbn™ ready and maintain normal levels of productivity. Lastly, the other $50 million is planned to go towards relief measures, with hopes to alleviate residential financial hardship.
Ultimately, it is a relief that nbn™ ready homes can now expect an increase in nbn™ network capacity and reliability while continuing to enjoy high speed internet access wherever nbn™ is available.
But knowing how you are affected by these changes is difficult if you don’t know how nbn™ itself affects you. FibreMax® makes this process simple by providing relevant information such as nbn™ availability in my area, service speeds, the relevant service class, and information about if you require a professional technician. FibreMax® makes it easier and simpler than ever for your home to get nbn™ ready, and cope with the stressful times brought forward by COVID-19.