Backup power supply for NBN - invitation for public comment

The ACMA has invited comment on the regulatory safeguards that should apply as NBN moves to introduce optional battery backup for most new NBN fibre connections.

“The ACMA must clearly ensure rigorous processes are in place to safeguard end users by making sure they understand the implications of their choice about a backup power supply,” said ACMA Chairman Chris Chapman.

During a power failure, services supplied over fibre-based networks like the NBN will stop working unless an alternative backup power supply, such as a battery, is available. This is similar to the current circumstance of most cordless standard telephones not working during a power failure.

At the moment, everyone gets a backup power supply unit installed at their premises when they connect to the NBN. But research suggests that not everyone wants or needs it. Some end users indicated that they would prefer to rely on their mobile phones in the event of a power failure.

Where NBN rollouts provide for a backup power supply service to be installed at a customer’s premises, the customer will be offered the choice to accept or decline such a backup power supply when connecting to the NBN (or another super-fast telecommunications network).

“For the sake of people who critically rely on a fixed-line connection, it will be vital that adequate and consistent advice is given and informed consent obtained in all cases,” Chapman said.

A number of options to therefore implement the government’s policy for optional backup power supply are set out in the ACMA’s consultation paper. The closing date for submissions is Friday 20 December 2013.

Under the changed arrangements, priority-assistance customers with a life-threatening medical condition will continue to receive battery backup automatically.