The author expressed concerns that in the event of a power outage, the phone service connected to the NBN would be rendered inoperable, and was unsure of the effects to the Safety Link medical alarm.

Identifying these concerns early in the NBN rollout, Safety Link worked closely with suppliers to develop an alarm that not only removed the potential for power outage related issues, but also introduced additional levels of redundancy not possible in older equipment.

The newly introduced EVE 3+ medical alarm which operates on the NBN, has built-in features that also allow it to utilise Australia’s two biggest 3G wireless networks when required.

Exceeding Australian Standards, the alarm has its own 50 hour battery back-up and will automatically switch to the 3G mobile networks if the NBN service or electricity  supply fails.

Those Safety Link clients found to be at risk of NBN service disruptions due to power outages will have their Safety Link medical alarms upgraded.

Safety Link is dedicated to ensuring that the monitoring service enjoyed by current and future clients will not be adversely affected by any changes to telecommunications infrastructure.

Affected Safety Link clients will be contacted prior to migrating to the NBN to arrange the upgrade.

As a division of Ballarat Health Services, Safety Link is a not-for- profit organisation located in Ballarat that provides medical alarm monitoring services to thousands of at-risk clients

Australia wide. The organisation is committed to ensuring that all clients consistently receive the highest levels of customer service.

Safety Link clients with any questions or concerns are encouraged to call Safety Link on 1800 813 617.

Steven Smith 

Business Development Co-ordinator, Safety Link Personal Response Service, Ballarat