Staying connected into the future
Staying connected into the future
The way your landline and broadband services connect may change in the future. The telecommunications industry is upgrading to more modern, reliable and efficient connections that deliver world-class speeds. These changes will ensure that you have access to the best possible connectivity and can take advantage of the many benefits that modern technology has to offer.
There are two principal changes affecting copper service
- Chorus' copper withdrawal - Turning off the copper network in areas where fibre is available
- Spark's PSTN switch-off - The retirement of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)
More information about what happens in a power cut, as well as medical alarm or house alarm recommendations and information for vulnerable customers, is available in the attached document 'Changes to Copper Landline and Broadband Services in New Zealand'.
Don't forget...
- If Chorus or your service provider doesn’t contact you about these changes, you’re not affected.
- These changes are not happening overnight - instead they are being rolled out over several years,
area by area. - You can keep your existing phone number, landline and broadband. The way these are connected will just be upgraded to a more modern technology.
- If no alternative technology is available, you will not be asked to move from copper.
If you're on a copper connection today, take some time to explore your alternatives. If there are options available, you can change to an alternative service at anytime; you don’t need to wait.
Copper Withdrawal
Copper Withdrawal
With the roll out of the fibre network, New Zealand is now less dependent on copper for its telecommunications needs. Chorus, the owner and operator of the copper network, is now able to withdraw copper services in areas where fibre is available. To make the transition as smooth as possible, Chorus is working closely with the Commerce Commission and service providers to ensure everyone
affected understands the process.
Spark's PSTN switch-off
Spark's PSTN switch-off
The PSTN is a network of switches that automatically connect landline calls from one person to another over copper lines. Operated by Spark, the PSTN is now nearing end-of-life. To keep New Zealand connected into the future, the old PSTN is being retired area by area where more modern technology is available. Customers still using the service, no matter who their service provider is, will need to transition to newer alternatives.
What options do I have?
What options do I have?
If you have been told, by Chorus or your service provider, you are affected by either copper withdrawal or the PSTN switch-off, you will have alternative technologies available to keep your landline and broadband services connected. In some cases, you may be able to choose from several options, including fibre, fixed wireless, HFC cable or satellite. Check out the broadband map to see what options are available at your address: www.broadbandmap.nz.
If no alternative technology is available, you will not be asked to move from copper.
What do I need to do?
What do I need to do?
If Chorus or your service provider has been in touch about changes, you’ll be asked to switch to new technology or, if you prefer, to a new service provider. You will need to talk to your service provider
about what options are available to you. Modern networks offer so much more than voice calling and this will be a good opportunity to talk about your needs for the future.
When is this happening?
When is this happening?
Copper withdrawal is likely to take several years and will be conducted in carefully planned stages.
The PSTN will be switched off area-by area as more alternative technologies become available over the coming years.
Your service provider will be in touch if you’re affected.
Changes to Copper Landline and Broadband Services in New Zealand