
NATIONAL Broadband Network customers on the Fixed Wireless network in the Ararat and Stawell region can expect some internet outages over the coming weeks as NBN Co performs upgrades.
NBN Co has identified a number of homes and businesses in the region connected to a service over the NBN Fixed Wireless network which may be experiencing lower speeds.
NBN Co said this was due to a higher than expected take-up rate of services over the Fixed Wireless network and high usage levels during peak usage times such as the evening.
Customers on fixed line services will not be impacted.
The upgrades are scheduled to take place over several days until the end of June, during which time residents may experience outages or drop outs.
NBN Co was unable to specify which days they would perform the works as they could be impacted by weather.
Head of nbn Local Victoria at NBN Co Ebony Aitken said they were constantly monitoring network performance and "looking at ways we can improve our network to help provide access to the best experience for consumers that we can."
NBN Co said these disruptions would typically occur during the day and may occur over a number of hours on on the scheduled days.
"As part of our network upgrade program we will be boosting the wholesale broadband capacity of impacted tower cells, prioritizing areas such as Ararat and Stawell where some local residents are experiencing slower speeds, particularly during the busy evening period," Ms Aitken said.
"When we carry out an upgrade, the towers may be turned off at intervals throughout the day, which will affect some telephone and internet services in the area."
When NBN Co has scheduled outages they endeavor to inform retailers two weeks in advance, and it is then up to the retailers to pass that information on to customers.
However, this doesn't always seem to happen.
"NBN Co seeks to advise retailers two weeks before a planned outage and asks them to pass this information onto their customers," Ms Aitken said.
"We will take steps to ensure that any disruption to service is kept to a minimum while ensuring the safety of workers.
"We thank residents and businesses in advance for their patience as we complete these upgrades.
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