NO one can escape the National Broadband Network. Even if you don’t have a computer, you are likely to have a telephone. Unless you have switched completely to a mobile phone, you are going to have to engage with the NBN if you want to keep your good old-fashioned home telephone. That old telephone will run through the NBN internet network, whether you have a computer or not.
Voice-only NBN is a real product and it means you are getting an NBN home telephone but nothing else.
The switch from the old copper network to the NBN does not mean that you have to buy a package with high speed internet and all the bells and whistles. There are NBN home-phone-only options.
NBN voice-only plans are typically around $30 per month. Telstra’s Home Phone Budget on the NBN is $24.95 per month with a one off $59 activation fee. This plan is not a fixed contract and is paid month-to-month with the option to cancel at any time.
Telstra also offers their Telstra Home Phone Essential Plan for people with a Centrelink Health Care Card, or a Pension Concession Card. The plan is $25 a month.
But Telstra is not the only provider with home-phone-only NBN plans.
Shop around and ask providers if they offer a home-phone-only plan.
If you are not online, don’t accept an NBN plan with an internet option. You shouldn’t pay for something you don’t use.
Also, avoid a fixed-term voice contract. An NBN landline phone only plan should cost no more than $30 per month with no fixed contract.
Make sure you get the best deal for you.
Send your comments to CPSA on this issue: voice@cpsa.org.au
