How to check for nbn outage in Australia

A sudden internet disruption can be frustrating, especially when you rely on a stable connection for work, entertainment, or communication. In Australia, most fixed-line internet connections run on the National Broadband Network (nbn), which means that when your internet stops working, the issue could be related to an NBN outage rather than your individual connection or devices. 

This guide will help you determine whether there is an nbn outage, how to check its status, and what steps to take while waiting for service restoration. 

Understanding nbn outages 

The nbn is a government-owned network that provides broadband infrastructure across Australia. While designed for reliability, outages can still occur for various reasons. 

Common causes of nbn outages

Outages can be caused by network maintenance, technical faults, extreme weather events, or third-party damage to infrastructure. Scheduled maintenance is necessary for keeping the network running smoothly, while unplanned outages often result from external factors like storms, accidents, or equipment failures. 

Types of nbn outages 

There are three main types of outages: 

1. Planned Maintenance: NBN Co periodically conducts maintenance to upgrade or repair the network. These outages and their duration are usually announced in advance. 

2. Unplanned Outages: These occur due to faults in the network, damage to infrastructure, or severe weather conditions. They can be unpredictable and may take longer to resolve. 

3. Emergency Outages: Occasionally, NBN Co or ISPs may need to shut down parts of the network immediately due to safety concerns, such as bushfires, floods, or electrical hazards. 

How to check for nbn outages 

If your internet suddenly stops working, the first step is to check whether there is a known NBN outage in your area. The most reliable way to do this is through the official NBN Co website. 

Using the official nbn website 

NBN Co provides a network status checker that allows users to see if there are any planned or unplanned outages affecting their connection. 

1. Visit the NBN Co outage page at www.nbnco.com.au. 

2. Enter your address in the provided search bar. 

3. Click Check to view the current network status. 

Isp-specific outage maps and tools 

Most internet service providers (ISPs) in Australia, including Exetel, have their own outage checkers. These tools provide network status updates specific to their customers. 

To check for outages through your ISP: 

1. Visit your ISP’s website and look for a service status or outage page. 

2. Enter your address or log in to your customer account to see if your connection is affected. 

3. Some ISPs also provide SMS alerts or email notifications for customers experiencing downtime. 

Exray on Exetel app (for Exetel users)

If you're an Exetel user, you can use the Exray feature on the Exetel app to sort out any internet issues. If your connection is dropping out or playing up, Exray will scan the line, work out the problem, and attempt to fix it automatically. Exray will send you a notification if the issue is due to an unscheduled nbn outage. For any planned nbn maintenance. Exetel app provides automatic updates.

Third-party outage tracking websites 

Websites like Downdetector (www.downdetector.com.au) collect user reports on internet outages across different providers. These platforms can help confirm whether other users in your area are experiencing similar issues. However, since they rely on crowd-sourced data, they may not always be completely accurate. 

Interpreting outage information 

If there is an outage affecting your area, the page will display details about the cause, estimated restoration time, and affected services. Planned maintenance will usually have a scheduled start and end time, while unplanned outages may have an estimated resolution timeframe. 

If no outage is listed, the issue might be with your own connection, equipment, or ISP rather than the NBN network itself. 

What to do during an outage 

Once you've confirmed that there is an NBN outage, there are a few steps you can take to manage the situation. 

Determine if the issue is local or network-wide 

If the nbn outage checkers don’t show any issues in your area, the problem might be specific to your household. This could be due to a modem/router issue, a local power outage, or a problem with your ISP’s service. 

To rule out a local issue, try the following: 

1. Check your modem and nbn connection box: Ensure all cables are properly connected and that no warning lights are flashing. 

2. Power cycle your equipment: Turn off your modem and NBN connection box, wait 30 seconds, and turn them back on. 

3. Test another device: If only one device is struggling to connect, the problem might be with that specific device rather than your internet service. 

4. Check your ISP’s support page: Some ISPs offer additional diagnostic tools or troubleshooting guides. 

When to contact your ISP 

If you’ve gone through the above steps but still don’t have internet access, contacting your ISP’s customer support can help clarify the issue. They can check for network degradation, account issues, or local infrastructure problems that may not be listed on public outage checkers. 

Staying informed about nbn outages 

If you want to stay ahead of planned maintenance outages or be notified when an outage occurs, there are ways to receive updates. 

Setting up notifications 

Some ISPs allow customers to opt into email or SMS alerts for network disruptions. If your ISP offers this service, enabling notifications can help you plan for scheduled maintenance outages. 

Following nbn and ISP social media accounts 

Both NBN Co and major ISPs regularly update their social media pages with network status updates. Checking platforms like Facebook or Instagram can provide real-time information about outages, restoration progress, and estimated timeframes for fixes. 

After an nbn outage

Once the NBN outage has been resolved, it’s important to ensure that your internet service is fully restored. 

Verifying service restoration

Try reconnecting to your Wi-Fi and running an internet speed test to confirm that your connection is back to normal. If your internet is still slow or unstable, power cycling your modem and router may help refresh the connection. 

Reporting persistent issues

If your NBN service remains unreliable after an outage has been marked as resolved, you may need to report the issue to your ISP’s customer support team. They can conduct further diagnostics and escalate the issue if necessary. 

Checking for an nbn outage is a straightforward process, but knowing where to look and what steps to take can save time and frustration. The nbn Co website, Exete nbn outage checkers, and third-party tracking sites are all useful tools for determining whether a network-wide issue is affecting your service. 

If an outage is confirmed, staying informed through ISP updates and social media can provide better clarity on resolution times. In cases where the outage is not listed, basic troubleshooting and contacting your ISP’s customer support can help resolve local connection issues. 

Understanding how to handle NBN outages ensures that you can quickly assess the situation, take appropriate action, and minimise disruptions to your internet access.