Parts of Lakes Entrance are set to complete the transition to the nbn broadband access network in the coming months.

The countdown is on for remaining homes and businesses as part of the nationwide upgrade to Australian telecommunications.

From March existing landline phone and internet services in the area will be progressively replaced by services over the nbn access network.

Lake Bunga and some Lakes Entrance residents will have services replaced this month, more Lakes Entrance and Kalimna residents in April and Metung will be replaced in May.

Almost 5000 homes and businesses in the area have been able to place an order for services over the nbn access network for around 18 months, however, connecting is not automatic.

Those who are yet to switch are encouraged to contact their preferred phone and internet service provider to place an order as soon as possible to continue using their landline phone and internet services.

The majority of critical business services and devices that operate on existing landline phone and internet services will need to be migrated to the nbn access network, so it’s important for businesses to plan ahead and make the switch early to minimise disruption to their operations.

Residents and business owners should talk to their preferred phone and internet provider about a plan that meets their specific speed and data usage needs, as well as any special equipment operating on their current landline connection including EFTPOS terminals, and medical and security alarms.

“While many homes and businesses in Lakes Entrance have already made the switch to a service over the nbn access network, this is the final stage of the transition to the nbn access network and brings the community closer to fully embracing the benefits of fast broadband,” head of nbn local Victoria, Ebony Aitken, said.

“If you’re not yet connected to a service over the nbn access network, you’ll need to contact your preferred phone and internet provider to place an order.

“If you have any special equipment that operates on your current landline, it’s important you talk with your phone and internet service provider to get the right support when moving across. You should also visit the nbn website to register devices such as medical alarms and lift phones, and find out more about business devices and services.

“It’s particularly important for anyone with a medical alarm, auto-dialler or emergency call button to register these devices on nbn Co’s Medical Alarm. Some devices may not be compatible with the nbn access network so if you or a loved one has a medical device, speak to the device provider and your phone and internet provider as soon as possible to seek further guidance.”