Information session are being held around the South West in an attempt to make people's transition to the NBN over the next 18 months a less complex task.
Mike Hendry was appointed as an independent National Broadband Network (NBN) adviser for the South West last month, as switching to the NBN network is not automatic.
"Essentially, my role is to assist small business and community groups to make the transition from the old copper network to the new fibre network,” Hendry said.
"So what we've got to do is raise people's awareness of what's actually happening around the South West, which is progressively being converted across to the fibre network with the majority of the work being completed in the South West by the middle of 2017."
By discussing the topic with key stakeholders, he is able to find out the questions that people should ask before they start making the move to NBN.
"Some things that previously worked on the copper network will not be compatible with the fibre network."
"What I'm encouraging people to do is, firstly, find out whether your area is ready for service.
"I'm providing hints and tips. If you're a business, start your planning at least 12 months before the cut-off date."
He said people had 18 months to make the change from the date they received their letter telling them that their area was ready for service.
"There is that chance that at the end of the 18 months, if you haven't been prepared, you'll lose your service on that day. We all know the chaos that can cause when you have to start reapplying for all these services that have been cut-off; because it will happen."
Hendry runs the information sessions, such as the one held in Bridgetown on November 17.
"We gave a few people [in Bridgetown] a few surprises because they thought they were on fixed wireless, and they're actually in a fixed-line area which means they're capable of getting faster speed,” he said.”
"I'm just pleased to be able to get somebody on the ground who is talking their language. I'm not a tech-head, I just show them the website where they can go on for their own information."
He is confident that NBN is meeting its targets in the South West.
There will be two Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup NBN advice workshops on December 13 at 3pm and 5.30pm in the Function Room of the Donnybrook Recreation Centre.
The Nannup session will take place in the Community Resource Centre on December 7 at 5.30pm.
The Boyup Brook sessions will be held in the Boyup Brook Community Resource Centre on December 12 at 2pm and 5.30pm.
For more information, visit: nbn.com.au
Matthew Lau
Email: matt.lau@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Email: matt.lau@fairfaxmedia.com.au
