Telecommunication services are the backbone of any well-oiled infrastructure, be it a small business or a gigantic one. Without an efficient, solution-oriented telecommunication system in place, it would be more than tricky for a business to harness its true capabilities. Yet, every year Australia witnesses a curious phenomenon during the public holidays. It’s called the X-Mas Embargo or the Telco Embargo period.
Here’s everything you need to know about the X-Mas Embargo and how it affects you.
What is the X-Mas Embargo?
The X-Mas Embargo is an annual phenomenon wherein carriers don’t process any requests for new fibre, business internet plans, broadband cabling, NBN, copper or connectivity. Their work is restricted, and service requests like relocation, upgrades of any kind on carrier networks, network reconfiguration and so on may also not be processed.
Since it happens every year, most groups and companies are well-prepared in advance. It is technically an industry-wide stoppage that includes every single telecommunication carrier in all of Australia. Any new service may either not get completed, or take much longer than usual.
The Embargo originates from the need for respite during holiday-season. Every carrier in the Telco industry, whether it be Telstra, TPG or Optus, takes a backseat and doesn’t even process simplistic requests like connecting new phone lines.
What are the stages of the X-Mas Embargo?
Essentially there are two different stages to this situation. The First Stage is that of Restricted Work wherein a certain amount of services are available, and there’s a limited network. Mobile services are functional as per usual, but requests take much longer to complete. The First Stage shall last from 14 to 22 December 2020 and then from 8 to 14 January 2021.
The Second Stage is that No Work wherein no fixed-line services or network are provided. Only a limited type of mobile services are available. The Second Stage shall last from 23 December 2020 to 7 January 2021.
What’s the impact of the Embargo on services?
The X-Mas Embargo typically focuses on network and fixed-line services. The Telco Embargo period severely impacts fixed-line and network services.
Internet services are heavily impacted as there’s no service for business internet plans, connectivity or cabling. Similarly, network services and voice services are also blocked for the period, which means no new number, no new phone lines and no provisions for new on-premise phone systems.
The Telco industry has a lot of variable factors, but all in all, the entirety of the industry is unanimous and upfront in its perspective about the Embargo. Their straight-forward nature is what allows customers to prepare well in advance for any dire situation or telecommunication requirements. Nonetheless, there are always some Telco providers who deflect from the Embargo-sentiment and provide services even during the festive season.
Other than that, you can be sure that almost no paperwork gets passed around during the public holidays.
What can you do?
If you wish to lay new phone lines or set up any new networks before the First Stage of the X-Mas Telco Embargo, you should probably get your orders in by 18th December.
A great way of mitigating the adverse impact of the Embargo is to have your network requirements assessed by your Managed Network Services Provider, which will include a comprehensive analysis of your company’s existing phone systems, current bandwidth usage and your company’s network infrastructure.
Once the assessment is complete, you’ll know exactly what your company needs and which orders, if any, to put in before the holiday season is upon you. Make sure to order your services with sufficient margin of periods, since some services take much longer to come through as compared to others.
Why Empower ICT?
A leading provider in managed it solutions in Melbourne, Empower ICT is a pioneer in providing optimised Telecommunication and ICT Services for Small to Medium Business and Enterprises. With Empower ICT, you get a diverse range of services- whether it be scalable, mobile phone systems, flexible cloud-hosted ICT solutions or unparalleled and world-class cybersecurity.
During this holiday season, our team will be available to support your business
Call us at 1300 850 210, if you need any support during the holiday season.
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