[LINK] Voice on the NBN

[David Lochrin]

As I've remarked before, with an FTTN service it's advisable (probably essential) to isolate the house POTS wiring from the cable carrying the NBN VDSL2 signal.  I don't know whether this is done by NBN Co. when a service is connected, but it will otherwise normally require the paid services of an electrician.

So what should be done regarding the household telephones, assuming there's more than one?  The options seem to be:

(a)  Throw away the POTS 'phones.  Buy a cordless system with the required number of extensions and connect it to the modem's FXS port.  This was iinet's recommendation.

(b)  Bring the POTS house wiring out near the modem and connect it to the FXS port, making sure the REN ("ringer equivalence number") of the FXS port is >= the sum of the RENs for all connected instruments.  A POTS telephone normally has its REN shown on a label under the instrument.

(c)  Forget about handsets and use mobiles.

Does this sound reasonable?  Are there any other options?

Is the average non-technical user supposed to have the knowledge to realise what's involved and get it organised, and then be prepared to pay the extra costs?

David L.