NBN Installation

Policy

This policy sets out schools’ responsibilities for managing the installation of the National Broadband Network, including contractors on site, the impact of National Broadband Network (NBN) installation on fixed line services, and possible physical disturbances to school sites.

Summary

• The Telecommunications Act 1997 (Cth) permits NBN Co and its construction partners to undertake inspections and installation works on school sites.
• Before entering a property, NBN Co is required to issue a notice to the landowner and the occupier, advising them of the proposed inspection.
• NBN Co and its construction partners will provide a school with design plans for installing and maintaining its network connection.
• NBN installation may disrupt services previously provided via the fixed-line network, including landline telephone services. Schools are responsible for contacting their telco provider(s) to ensure these services continue operating.
• Schools should contact NBN Co to resolve concerns about disturbances or damages resulting from proposed or undertaken NBN works.
• This policy falls within the 'Manage' stage of the School Asset Lifecycle.

Details

The NBN is being rolled out across Australia to replace the existing copper wire network with a high speed backbone. When it is rolled out in your school’s local area, the Commonwealth Government entity, NBN Co, will be carrying out installation works on your school site to replace the landline network.

Access by NBN Co contractors

The Telecommunications Act 1997 (Cth) permits NBN Co and its construction partners to undertake inspections and installation works on school sites.Before entering a property, NBN Co is required to issue a notice to the landowner and the occupier, advising them of the proposed inspection.

To ensure student wellbeing, campus security and contractor safety when NBN Co construction partners are working on school sites, schools must comply with the Visitors in Schools Policy and the Contractor OHS Management Policy.

Schools should contact NBN Co to discuss any concerns about the proposed access and activities.

Construction works

After completing inspection, NBN Co and its construction partners will provide a school with design plans for installing and maintaining its network connection. They will issue the school with a separate notice with proposed dates to carry out this work.

NBN impact on fixed-line services

The NBN replaces the older public switched telephone network, which will affect most landline telephones and other services using the older network. These include monitored security systems, EFTPOS, fire indicator panels, emergency lift phones, medical alarms and emergency call systems.

Schools are responsible for contacting their telco provider or providers to ensure these services continue operating.

Physical disturbances and damages

Schools should contact NBN Co to resolve any concerns about disturbances or damages resulting from proposed or undertaken works. Schools can also make a formal objection or seek financial compensation by following the processes outlined in NBN Co notices.

Definitions

NBN Co
NBN Co is a wholly-owned Commonwealth company that is responsible for designing, building and operating the NBN across Australia. As part of the NBN rollout program, NBN Co appoints construction partners to install network equipment. This involves preliminary site inspections and subsequent construction works.

Related policies

• Contractor OHS Management
• Visitors in Schools

Relevant legislation

• Telecommunications Act 1997 (Cth)

Guidance

There is no further guidance for this topic. For more information, refer to Resources tab.

Resources

Useful websites

• NBN Co — a website that contains information about the NBN rollout across Australia and provides further information about the company.