If you’re looking to jump on the bandwagon and join the millions of other Aussies who have already signed up for the National Broadband Network (nbn), you might be wondering if you need an active phone line to make it happen. In this guide, you’ll find all you need to know about nbn internet connection and phone lines.

Do I need an active phone line to connect to the nbn? 

Short answer: No. Unlike the old ADSL that required you to have an active home phone line to connect to the internet, the nbn does not require an active telephone service.

Do I need a telephone wall socket to connect to the nbn? 

While you may not need an active home phone service to secure your nbn internet service you may still need a phone socket since some nbn connection types still rely on the old-school copper wire.

For example, Fibre to the Curb (FTTC), Fibre to the Building (FTTB) and Fibre to the Node (FTTN) all utilise the copper phone network and will need access to an existing phone socket to work.

Can I still get a home phone service on the nbn? 

Thankfully, it is possible to set up a home phone line as part of your existing nbn plan. You’ll need to sign up for what’s known as a Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) line. This is a digital phone service that allows you to make and receive phone calls over your nbn internet connection, as opposed to the traditional copper telephone lines.

Because of this, if there is ever a power outage, you won’t be able to make calls, in the same way you won’t be able to access the internet. It’s also important to note that EFTPOS, medical and emergency devices, and any other machines that previously relied on the copper network will longer be able to send data.

Signing up for VoIP

Subscribing to a VoIP is usually a simple process since many internet service providers offer packages that bundle nbn plans with a home phone service.

As for the question of whether you will need to pay phone line rental as part of your nbn internet or phone line service, the answer is, thankfully, no.

Aussies prefer mobile to home phone

While bundling a home phone service with nbn internet plans certainly is an option these days, most Aussies are choosing to keep it simple – opting for an internet-only nbn plan, and using their mobile phone for all their calling needs.

Sign Up With MATE 

Whether you’re looking for an internet-only nbn package or an internet + home phone bundle, at MATE we have a range of unlimited data plans to whatever your budget or download speed needs might be.

Enjoy unlimited local, national and mobile calls on a bundled VoIP home service plan from only $69/month. Or help yourself to our best value uncapped internet-only plans with no lock-in contracts from $59/month. Check out the range today!