As technology evolves and Aussies upgrade their internet, it might leave you pondering the question - what happens to my landline if I switch over to the NBN? Do I need a special NBN phone? Do I need a landline phone at all anymore?
It's possible to switch over to a VoIP - or Voice over Internet Protocol - but it's not always smooth sailing. In this guide, we'll aim to answer all the questions you might have about VoIP, landlines and using them on the NBN.
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Of course, many of us have forgone the traditional landline for our mobile phones, if you're one of these people then you may consider ditching the home phone altogether.
Don't need a landline? See our editor's picks of the best mobile plans this month.
If you do decide to proceed with a VoIP service, be prepared to ask your internet provider questions before you sign up for a plan. Our guide highlights the issues you need to consider and ask about.
Here are our quick questions and answers, click or tap on the links to read more.
- What is VoIP on the NBN?
- As we mentioned, VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, which basically means you make phone calls using your internet connection.
- How much does VoIP on the NBN cost?
- You'll usually be able to choose between a pay-as-you-go model or a monthly add-on that covers all your calls and line charges. These costs vary between providers.
- How will a VoIP phone service be different from my current landline?
- As VoIP uses the internet, if the power or the internet goes down then your landline will too.
- Do I have to get a VoIP phone service?
- No, you don't need to get a VoIP connection, but you won't be able to use fixed line NBN and your traditional copper line phone service. You may opt to use your mobile phone rather than maintain a landline.
- Do I need a special VoIP or NBN phone?
- In most cases, you'll be able to use your old handset and plug it into your compatible modem/router.
- What type of modem will I need?
- All NBN modems should support VoIP, however, provider-supplied modems/routers will usually come pre-configured so you can simply plug your phone in and be done with it. If you choose to bring your own modem to your NBN plan then be ready to set up VoIP by yourself.
- How will my phone connect to the NBN?
- Your handset will need to plug into your modem, router or NBN connection box which may not be in the most opportune place in your home. Once you switch to the NBN phone wall sockets will no longer be able to connect to the telephone exchange and won't work with your handset.
- What are the alternatives to VoIP on the NBN?
- Rather than switching to VoIP, you can use your mobile phone as your primary point of contact. Read more about cheap NBN and Mobile Phone plans here.
- VoIP on NBN FAQs
Cheap NBN and home phone bundles
If you're looking for an NBN plan that will let you keep your home phone, without breaking the bank, see our guide to cheap NBN and home phone bundles.
What is VoIP on NBN?
A VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) landline service is in many ways similar to the service you use for your landline today. In fact, you may even be able to use your old phone handset and keep your old number once you switch over to VoIP on the NBN.
The difference is that a VoIP service sends and receives calls over the internet. Just like your current landline, VoIP lets you call any landline or mobile number, but you will be using your internet connection to do so.
There are two possibilities for getting landline calls via the NBN: UNI-D VoIP is the most common service and is available to all NBN connection types. UNI-V VoIP, also known as Fibre Phone, is a superior VoIP connection type that is only available with Fibre to the Premises connections.
Unlike UNI-D, UNI-V allows dedicated bandwidth for voice traffic, which means calls do not have to compete with internet traffic and can be more reliable as a result. UNI-V also offers the option of battery back-up in case of a power outage.
How much does VoIP on the NBN cost?
Not every NBN provider will allow you to bundle a VoIP call service with your internet plan. But where the option is available, you are usually able to choose between pay-as-you-go calls or a call pack with unlimited calls to Australian landlines and mobiles for around $10 extra per month. You then just need to pick your NBN plan. You should expect to pay between $60-$100 per month for NBN.
To choose your plan, we suggest using this formula:
Then you just need to decide which provider has the best value package for your current situation.
Best value: NBN 50 (Standard)
Maximum Speed: 50Mbps
Typical Evening Speed: 50Mbps
What to expect: NBN 50 plans are a good option for families. You'll have enough speed to ensure everyone can use the internet at the same time, without any fights breaking out over how long YouTube is taking to buffer.
The following plans from our database of 34 providers also come with at least 500GB of data and the option to bundle your home phone on VoIP.
|
#1
|
Superloop
All Fixed Line nbn®
Extra-value nbn50/20
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
|
|
#2
|
TPG
All Fixed Line nbn®
nbn50 Unlimited Plan
$69.99/mth
Min. cost $69.99
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
iiNet
All Fixed Line nbn®
nbn50 Liimitless
$69.99/mth
+ $10 Upfront
Min. cost $79.99
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
MATE
All Fixed Line nbn®
Ripper nbn 50/20
$70/mth
Min. cost $70
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Aussie Broadband
All Fixed Line nbn®
Value nbn - Unlimited
$70/mth
Min. cost $70
Link not supplied
|
Best for internet lovers: NBN 100 (Fast)
Maximum Speed: 100Mbps
Typical Evening Speed: 95-100Mbps
What to expect: NBN 100 plans are the best bet for large households and anyone who regularly downloads or uploads large files. Games will download at breakneck speed and everyone from the kids to grandma can binge different shows on Netflix, all at the same time.
The following plans from our database of 34 providers also come with at least 500GB of data and the option to bundle in your VoIP home phone.
|
#1
|
iiNet
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
nbn Home Fast Liimitless
$69.99/mth
+ $10 Upfront
Min. cost $79.99
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Superloop
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
Family nbn100/20
$74/mth
Min. cost $74
|
|
#3
|
TPG
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
nbn Home Fast Unlimited Plan
$74.99/mth
Min. cost $74.99
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
MATE
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
No Worries nbn 100/20
$75/mth
Min. cost $75
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Aussie Broadband
nbn® Fixed Wireless Plus Unlimited
$75/mth
Min. cost $75
Link not supplied
|
Best for moderate budgets: NBN 25 (Basic II)
Maximum Speed: 25Mbps
Typical Evening Speed: 25Mbps
What to expect: NBN 25 plans are better suited to one or two person households. There's not much you can do online that needs a faster speed than NBN 25, but you may notice slower speeds if multiple people are using your connection at once.
The following plans from our database of 34 providers also come with at least 500GB of data and the option to bundle your home phone on VoIP.
|
#1
|
SpinTel
All Fixed Line nbn®
Home Starter 25/10
$41/mth
Min. cost $41
|
|
#2
|
MATE
All Fixed Line nbn®
Crikey nbn 25/10
$55/mth
Min. cost $55
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Superloop
All Fixed Line nbn®
Everyday nbn25/10
$58/mth
Min. cost $58
|
|
#4
|
Aussie Broadband
All Fixed Line nbn®
Basic Plus nbn - Unlimited
$58/mth
Min. cost $58
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
TPG
All Fixed Line nbn®
nbn25 Unlimited Plan
$59.99/mth
Min. cost $59.99
Link not supplied
|
Best for tight budgets: NBN 12 (Basic I)
Maximum Speed: 12Mbps
Typical Evening Speed: 10-12Mbps
What to expect: NBN 12 plans are best for basic internet usage, such as web browsing, email, and social media. You can still stream HD video through Netflix and YouTube, but you won't be able to do much else with your connection at the same time.
The following plans from our database of 34 providers also come with at least 500GB of data and the option to bundle your VoIP home phone.
|
Aussie Broadband
All Fixed Line nbn®
Basic nbn - Unlimited
$77/mth
Min. cost $77
Link not supplied
|
Looking for speeds faster than 100Mbps?
If you've got the need for speed, there are two even faster speed tiers to pick from NBN 250 (Superfast) and NBN 1000 (Ultrafast). These are best suited for businesses, very large households, or very demanding users.
Read more about NBN 250 plans here and NBN 1000 plans here.
Be aware of extra costs
For an NBN internet and home phone bundle, it's important to understand that your costs may extend beyond the extra monthly fee for a call pack. As well as a plan and a handset, you will need a modem that has been configured for your VoIP phone service. You can configure your modem yourself, but if you're not confident doing this may find yourself having to purchase a pre-configured modem from your provider which could cost around $150 extra.
Many providers will include a pre-configured VoIP modem or VoIP router with your plan, but these plans tend to be on the pricier side of the market. You may also find yourself having to buy a new pre-configured modem again if you're not happy with your service and decide to switch providers.
When
purchasing a VoIP on NBN plan, you will be able to enjoy the same features as your
landline phone service such as caller ID, voicemail, etc. But some providers might charge more for these options.
How will a VoIP phone service be different from my current landline?
Despite many similarities, there are a few key differences between a home phone service on VoIP and a traditional copper landline service that you should be aware of.
Because VoIP relies on the NBN for a connection, if the internet goes down in your home or neighbourhood, your landline will go down too. For this reason, if you don't already have a mobile phone, it's important to keep a cheap prepaid mobile handy, in case of an emergency. You can buy a prepaid handset for as little as $39 and get a long expiry credit plan loaded with as little or as much credit as you think you might need.
For most Australians using a VoIP landline service, loss of home or neighbourhood power will also mean a loss of landline connectivity. The exception is if you're using Fibre Phone (available to those connected to the NBN via Fibre to the Premises). Fibre Phones come with the option of a battery back-up that can last for up to five hours. You'll need to request this from your provider when you sign up for a plan and make sure you have a telephone handset that does not require mains power to work.
If you currently have other devices connected to your landline such as emergency alert systems, security alarms or EFTPOS machines, you should not assume that they will work when you switch over to VoIP. You will need to contact your device provider before switching over. Depending on the type of device that you have, you may also need to register the device with NBN Co. Make sure you confirm the type of NBN service that is required and that your device has been tested to confirm it works.
Do I have to get a VoIP phone service?
Getting a VoIP landline service is optional. But, for the vast majority of Australian, giving up your current landline connection will not be. The exception is if you're connecting to the NBN via Sky Muster Satellite or Fixed Wireless. With these sorts of connections, your copper phone line won't be disconnected and you should be able to continue to use it to make calls if you wish.
But if, like 95% of the population, you're being connected to the NBN via Fibre to the Premises, Fibre to the Node, Fibre to the Building, Fibre to the Curb or HFC Cable, you will have to get a VoIP service if you want to continue using your landline. Unfortunately, you can't choose how your NBN is connected, it's dependent on where you live and what infrastructure is being built in your area.
But you will be given time to make the switch. Once your neighbourhood is NBN-ready you'll be prompted to move to an NBN plan and you'll have the option to choose one with VoIP calling. You'll have 18 months to do so, after which time, your old copper phone line will be disconnected.
Do I need a special VoIP or NBN phone?
In most cases, you don't need to buy a special NBN phone or VoIP phone. You should be able to use your existing analogue phone handset for VoIP, as long as it's connected to a compatible modem-router or adapter.
It's worth noting though that some older landline telephone handsets (such as a dial/rotary phone), back-to-base alarm systems, personal response systems (medical alert/emergency call systems) and fax machines (remember those?) may not work over the NBN. You can check with the manufacturer to see if they are compatible.
If for some reason your handset doesn't work, you can buy a new one for as little as $30, depending on how many sets you want and what features you need.
It's also possible to buy a handset that is specifically designed for VoIP. However, these "VoIP phones" can be more complicated to set up and configure and are mainly used in business.
What type of modem will I need for my VoIP phone service?
If you're connecting to the NBN with Fibre to the Premises, you won't need a modem to get your landline up and running. Instead, you'll plug your phone into the UNI-V port on the NBN Connection Box installed in your home.
Otherwise, your NBN provider can supply you with a modem-router that will be VoIP-enabled and that should come with a built-in analogue terminal adapter. The advantage of getting your modem from your NBN provider is that it should come pre-configured for your VoIP service.
If you want to BYO modem things get trickier, not least because many providers simply will not allow you to bring your own device if you have signed up for a VoIP service. If you are given the option to BYO modem, you will have to configure it for your VoIP service yourself using the instructions provided with your modem-router and the VoIP credentials supplied by your provider. Your NBN provider may be able to provide some support during this process.
How will my phone connect to the NBN?
Once you've switched over to the NBN, if you want to keep using your landline you will have to plug your phone into your NBN modem-router, or into your NBN connection box, if you have a Fibre to the Premises connection.
It's important to realise that plugging your phone into any home telephone socket will not work after you're connected to the NBN.
That means it's important to consider where in your home you would like your modem-router, and therefore your phone, to go. If your home is connecting via Fibre to the Premises, HFC Cable or Fixed Wireless you should think about this before the NBN technician arrives to install equipment in your home.
If you want multiple landline handsets at home, you have a few options. The first is to use wireless handsets. You may still have to connect the main phone to your modem-router, but your additional phones will connect wire-free.
Shop Amazon's range of cheap, cordless home phones here.
Your final option is to have your home rewired by a registered cabler. This will allow one or more of your existing wall outlets to connect directly to your modem or your NBN connection box. As you can imagine, this may cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If you want to pursue this step, speak to your provider and visit the ACMA for further advice.
If you're using UNI-D VoIP, you will need to plug your handset into the UNI-D port on your VoIP compatible modem-router. If you have Fibre to the Premises and are using an analogue handset, you might need to connect using an ATA (analogue telephone adaptor) connected to your NBN Connection Box.
What are the alternatives to VoIP on NBN?
If you don't want to use VoIP, you do have another option. Start using a mobile phone instead. Mobile calls have never been cheaper than they are now. And you don't have to sacrifice mobile reception by going cheap. Some of those low-cost providers actually run on the Telstra network, while others offer service on the Optus or Vodafone networks.
For more information about which providers are on which network check out our guide. Or take a look at some of the following cheap as chips plans with unlimited talk and text. Any of these would easily replace your landline.
|
#1
|
Pivotel
25GB Mobile Swift Plan
$11.45/mth
Min. cost $11.45
|
|
#2
|
SpinTel
Editor's Pick
$23 Mobile Plan
$12.00/mth
Min. cost $12
|
|
#3
|
Swoop
30GB SIM Only 5G
$14.00/mth
Min. cost $14
|
|
#4
|
Kogan Mobile
Small Monthly Plan
$23.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#5
|
Dodo
Small Mobile Plan
$25.00/mth
Min. cost $25
|
|
#6
|
Superloop
SuperSim Saver 4G Plan
$25.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#7
|
Boost Mobile
$28 Prepaid
$28.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
|
Alternatively, if you want to move to a mobile service but don't want to give up your landline number, you could consider a postpaid mobile plan with Vodafone. This service costs $5 a month, and you'll need to set it up via MyVodafone.
Here are a few Vodafone SIM-only options.
|
#1
|
Vodafone
$58 Small SIM Only Plan
$45.00/mth
Min. cost $45
|
|
#2
|
Vodafone
$68 Medium SIM Only Plan
$50.00/mth
Min. cost $50
|
|
#3
|
Vodafone
$78 Large SIM Only Plan
$55.00/mth
Min. cost $55
|
VoIP on NBN FAQs
As part of the NBN rollout plan, the existing copper phone lines will be switched off 18 months after your home is connected to the NBN.
This means that some homes are already disconnected, while others will still access the old for several more years. It all depends on when the NBN comes to your neighbourhood.
The exception is homes connected to the Sky Muster / Satellite service, who may be able to continue to use copper phone services for the foreseeable future.
Quality depends on your internet provider. Some may offer high definition voice, which provides clearer sound quality.
Quality will be better if you can use a UNI-V port as it accesses its own bandwidth on the NBN network, rather than sharing capacity with other internet activity. So even if all your neighbours are surfing the web at the same time, UNI-V traffic will be unaffected.
Yes, in most cases the provider can transfer your existing phone number. Otherwise you will be allocated a new local phone number. Please note providers may charge you for porting your existing number.
VoIP does not require a lot of data. As a very general guide, talking on VoIP for 1 hour consecutively would consume approximately 30MB of data. An unlimited data plan is useful, but not essential.
If you currently have other devices connected to your landline such as emergency alert systems, security alarms or EFTPOS machines, it is important that you contact your device provider before switching to the NBN. Depending on the type of device that you have, you will also need to register the device with NBN Co. Make sure you confirm the type of NBN service that is required and that your device has been tested to confirm it works.
Be aware, triple zero (000) emergency calls can be made on a VoIP service, but if there is a power outage then your VoIP service will not work, as it requires power from your modem. We recommend you have access to a mobile phone so that you can always call for help when you need to.
Want more information about the NBN?
Got questions? We've got answers. Whether you want to know what the NBN is, how to connect, if you have to connect, how much it will cost, what the alternatives are, or something else entirely, check out our complete guide to the NBN.
Jacqui Dent
Editorial Strategist
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