It is time to get in contact with nbn before 30 June 2023 if you have not yet connected to the nbn® network and registered your medical alarm.

nbn’s medical alarm register will be closed to new registrants on 30 June 2023 after almost nine years. nbn has supported around 180,000 medically vulnerable and older Australians by migrating their medical alarms and phone and internet services to the nbn network.

With the nbn network replacing most of Australia’s existing landline phone and internet network with newer technologies, it is important to register your medical alarm to ensure it continues to work properly when you move to the nbn network and before the existing copper networks are switched off which could leave you vulnerable in case of an emergency.

Once you have registered your alarm, nbn will call you to let you know when nbn is available at your home and when the disconnection of your old phone service will happen. Once you connect to the nbn network, they will work with you to make sure your alarm is working properly.

Robert Hardie, nbn Executive Manager for Health, advises that “switching to the nbn network is not automatic and we recommend that customers move to the network, or an alternative solution before their disconnection date to avoid losing connectivity which might leave them vulnerable in an emergency.”

While the register will close to new registrants in June, if a customer’s disconnection date is beyond 30 June 2023, nbn will continue to assist them with migrating to the nbn network.

“Registration is optional and any further support requests after 30 June can be managed directly via a customer’s alarm supplier or phone and internet provider,” Hardie said.

“nbn will advise you and your internet provider of any upcoming disconnection dates with at least 18 months notice. If you are already connected to the nbn network and your medical alarm is working, you don’t need to do anything. If you are unsure, we still recommend that you submit your details on our register via our website at nbn.com.au/medicalalarm, or by calling us on 1800227 300.”

National Seniors Australia Chief Advocate Ian Henschke said, “Medical alarms can save lives so it’s important to make sure you’re protected by remaining connected with these imminent changes. To ensure you’re covered, contact nbn by visiting nbn.com.au/medicalalarm or call 1800 227 300.”

To date, there has been around 180,000 unique premises listed on the Medical Alarm Register.

After four years of helping Australian’s access subsidised devices, nbn’s ‘Unmonitored Medical Alarm Upgrade Offer’ will also close to new registrants on June 30.

An unmonitored medical alarm calls a family member, friend, neighbour or 000 when triggered. It differs from a monitored alarm, which calls a 24/7 alarm-monitoring centre that may have a monthly fee, or a locally monitored alarm, which calls the staff at an aged care or retirement facility.

Under the offer, eligible people can obtain an upgraded medical alarm at a discounted price of up to of 80 per cent off the normal price (to a maximum of $300 off) from participating alarm suppliers.

To check if you, your family member or someone you care for is eligible for the Unmonitored Medical Alarm Upgrade Offer, or to find out more about the offer, please visit nbn.com.au/alarmupgrade or call 1800 003 095.