There's a small but important new step to be aware of next time you're switching between NBN providers.
From this week, in compliance with new industry rules, NBN providers will require customers to provide their Access Virtual Circuit Identifier (AVC ID) when signing up to a new internet provider.
The AVC ID is a unique identifier specific to each connection on the NBN network. It's a 15-character code with the letters AVC followed by 12 numbers. The code can be found on your NBN provider invoice or you can contact your current provider to request it.
An AVC ID allows your new telco to identify your existing connection, which helps prevent delays in the transfer process and gets you set up with your NBN plan faster.
An NBN Co spokesperson said "The introduction of an AVC ID will provide an additional layer of authentication, and additional protection measures to prevent incorrect or unauthorised transfers of nbn connections."
Once you've made a switch to your new provider a new AVC ID is issued for that connection.
A TPG spokesperson told WhistleOut "If a customer doesn't provide their AVC ID during sign up, we’ll send them an SMS reminder to provide it within 48 hours... without the AVC ID, we won’t be able to complete the transfer."
Knowing your AVC ID can also help your provider and NBN Co better identify your connection to resolve the problem.
If you haven't looked at switching your NBN plan in more than a year, it's worth comparing your options. Most providers discounts end after six months and you can save by switching to a cheaper NBN plan.
With proposed faster NBN speeds to come into effect later this year (for customers on FTTP and HFC connections), it could well worth starting to pay your internet bill some mind.
The new industry code was revised in 2023 in order to "assist in accurately identifying the service being authorised for transfer", the Australian Communications and Media Authority registered the new code in January of 2024 with it set to take effect now with telcos having time to implement procedures.
These are the most popular NBN 50 plans with WhistleOut users this week:
Dylan Crismale
Digital Content Editor
Thousands of internet plans unpacked. All the facts. No surprises.
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