Do you need a phone line to get the nbn?

With the prevalence of mobile phones and increasing data allowances on mobile plans, a landline is becoming less essential for many Australians. If you’re making the switch to the nbn®, you might be wondering if you need a home phone line like you do for ADSL. The good news is that, unlike ADSL, the nbn does not require a phone line to deliver the internet to your premises.

If you’ve previously had an ADSL connection, you are probably aware that it relied on a copper phone line. This is because both a home phone and internet service on ADSL were delivered on the same copper wire infrastructure. The nbn, on the other hand, uses (primarily) a totally different cable network that is separate from the lines used to connect a home phone service.

If you’re switching to the nbn and still want a home phone line, no problem. It’s still possible to have both the nbn and an active landline service, though it works differently to ADSL. With eligible nbn plans you can include a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) with your service. This is a digital phone service that functions through your nbn service, but it’s important to note that, unlike landlines, if you have a power outage you will not be able to use a phone powered by VoIP.

If you do want a home phone with the nbn, make sure you choose a plan and a provider that includes one.

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