Understanding NBN and VPN - two TLA's (three-letter acronyms) we are hearing a lot lately!

The last few weeks have seen lots of articles in the press about two terms that are a 'glorious mystery' to most readers of this blog.  I have also had very regular questions about these things from clients.

​They are NBN - National Broadband Network and VPN - Virtual Private Network.

Let's look at each in turn, and at some articles that have appeared recently about these services.

NBN - do we all need to change?

• What services will be switched off? | nbn - Australia's new broadband network ​

A client who lives near us in Camberwell has received a letter from Telstra advising that NBN will soon be available and that she would need to switch.   We have received that same letter.

Given that she currently has a Telstra cable broadband connection (as do we), she wondered if she needed to do anything - given that she had heard that the Telstra cable broadband network will be retained as part of the NBN.

While this is correct, the Telstra cable broadband network has been sold to NBN.  This means that all Telstra cable customers must change to NBN when it becomes available in their area.  The Optus Cable network is being decommissioned completely - so Optus cable clients must also change.

The same applies for anyone that has an ADSL connection to the internet - you MUST switch to the NBN once you receive notification that the NBN is available in your area.  If you don't you will risk being disconnected.

Even if you don't have internet to your home, you are still impacted by the NBN if you have a phone - landline phone connections are also moving to the NBN.

You can stick with your current Telco, but it is probably a good time to consider who will give you the best price and service.

I know that, when it comes time for this household to switch, I will be taking a very close look at who provides the best deal and won't necessarily be sticking with Telstra as my provider.  In this family we need unlimited downloads and fast speed - and it will be a case of who can provide these for the lowest cost.

And I will doing a 'self-install' of any equipment that needs to be installed in my home - to save myself the $240 installation fee that Telstra would charge to send someone to do it for me.  

(iTandCoffee can assist clients with this install - our fee is nowhere near that of Telstra! Call 1300 885 420 if you want to discuss this option with us.)

​For those of you who want to read a bit more, here are some recent articles and information about the NBN and the two major Telcos.   

• What services will be switched off? | nbn - Australia's new broadband network ​​

​Articles about/from Telstra

• Telstra says Australians are being 'misled' on NBN
• How to connect to NBN
• How to self-install your NBN device

Articles about/from Optus

• Optus threatens disconnection to sign up NBN customers and fast-track HFC cable shutdown                                                                
• Optus killing pay TV in NBN-ready areas, what are the alternatives?
• Optus cutting off customers without warning, blaming NBN

If you need advice on what to do, iTandCoffee can help. Call 1300 885 420 to make an appointment.  We are located in Glen Iris, Melbourne, but can arrange to come to you if needed*.

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VPN - what is it, and why might you want it?

The issue of how to stay safe when travelling - and when using Public Wi-Fi networks - comes up regularly at iTandCoffee.  (We cover this topic in the Travel with your iPad, iPhone and other technology class, which will next run on Friday 24th March at 10am.  Places are still available if you would like to join us - find out more here ›)

We are regularly seeing and hearing in the press that using public Wi-Fi networks is, in some cases, how people get 'hacked' - how they have their private information stolen, their online account compromised, and/or their money stolen.

Lately there has been an advertisement playing regularly on the radio about a new product from Norton, one that is supposed to keep you safe when using public networks.

The solution offered is to use a VPN whenever you use a public Wi-Fi network.  

But what is a VPN - or Virtual Private Network?

A VPN provides a layer of protection for any communications you have across the internet.  

When a VPN is installed and active on a device, it ensures that any data sent across the internet from that device (or received to that device) is 'encrypted' - scrambled, so that no-one can read this data (unless they are supposed to!).  It is like creating a secure 'tunnel' through which your data can travel - a tunnel that others cannot break into.

Here are some articles that describe the concept of a VPN, and give some options for those thinking about getting a VPN, or an alternative product that can help protect their online life while 'on the go'.

• How to use a VPN to keep your network data safe - Macworld
• How To Choose The Right VPN In Australia
  
• ​Best VPN Apps for iPhone and iPad 
• Best Wi-Fi hotspots for when you are on the move  ​
• Hands on: Telstra Nighthawk M1 Gigabit Wi-Fi hotspot​
• Norton's new VPN app wants to save us from dangers of public Wi-Fi ...
  

If you would like to find out more about VPNs and how to set one up, let us know using the below form.  If we get enough interest we will run a class - otherwise, we will get in contact with you about arranging one-on-one assistance (should you decide you need it).

"I want to know more about VPNs"

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* In-home appointments are available to homes within 20km of iTandCoffee.  Distance/travel surcharge applies to these appointments, as shown on our Prices page.