By
Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor
Last updated

NBN logo on connection box

NBN Co today announced it will make up to $7 million of Cyclone Relief Funding available to providers, who can then pass it on to consumers impacted by Cyclone Alfred.

The network builder is encouraging affected customers to reach out to their NBN provider to find out next steps. 

An Optus spokesperson told WhistleOut that the telco welcomes the support provided by NBN Co, and it's "currently evaluating how best to extend this assistance to impacted customers".

"We will provide further details about the relief package as soon as it is available," said the Optus spokesperson.

A Telstra spokesperson told WhistleOut that it is "working through the process to pass on this relief to customers". Telstra also has its own relief package which can include extra mobile data and free call diversions. Telstra has been texting eligible customers. 

WhistleOut has reached out to several other providers to ask for their guidance for customers. Due to how fresh the news is, WhistleOut understands that providers are still working through the details of how it will be executed. 

NBN Co also says it's working closely with local authorities to minimise network disruption and restore services as quickly as possible. 

At the peak of disruptions, over 250,000 NBN services were impacted. This was largely due to mains power outages. This number has now dropped to 192,000. The majority of the disrupted services are in South East Queensland, with just around 11,000 located in Northern New South Wales. 

NBN Co says it expects the numbers to continue to decrease as power is restored. Once power is restored, it recommends customers restart their NBN equipment, including the connection box, modem, and WiFi router. If that still doesn't re-establish a connection, customers should contact their provider. 

1pm 13/03: Updated with comment from Telstra

3:24pm 11/03: Updated with comment from Optus

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Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros
Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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