Many of the providers are upgrading copper landlines services to a more modern technology. Unfortunately for many rural customers this may lead to some major issues.
Based on local experience of this service, be aware of the following for “Landline over Broadband”:
- It may not be possible to make a reliable phone call while simultaneously using the internet.
- The phone line won’t work in a power cut unless you have a backup power source for the modem
- Voice quality may be significantly worse.
- More susceptible to lightning damage (and most people don't have a spare VoIP modem).
Examples of Landline over Broadband (20Mbps ADSL, 350m from exchange):
The voice quality issues are most prevalent for those on a copper ADSL connection.
Some providers may still be able to offer higher quality telephone services than “Landline over Broadband”. Generally this will mean plugging the phone into the wall rather than into a modem.
Where your provider requires you to change technologies on a copper landline, there are some regulations to protect you.
- They must give you at least 4 months notice
- You can keep your existing telephone number if you change providers
- Providers can’t give the "PSTN withdrawal" as a reason unless its actually happening in your area
Details are available in these Industry Guidelines
Photo credits:
Telephone. Making New Zealand :Negatives and prints from the Making New Zealand Centennial collection. Ref: MNZ-2609-1/2-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23207705
Unidentified man and woman staring in amazement at their new telephone. Evening post (Newspaper. 1865-2002) :Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post newspaper. Ref: EP/1957/3945-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22847777
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