FEDERAL Member for New England Barnaby Joyce has reminded Armidale residents the copper communications network supporting home phone services in town will be switched off on May 23, 2014.

Nearly 2500 premises have already made the change, but the NBN Co is urging remaining householders to beat the rush and make the switch over, Mr Joyce said.

He said getting stuck in the last minute rush could mean homeowners may end up not having a home phone and internet service and they should act now to make the change.

Home and business owners who live or work in and around The Avenue, Allingham Street, Gordon Street and Trevethin Road are within the area affected by the switch-off.

To keep making and receiving phone calls, individuals need to call their phone provider.

If people chose to do nothing their existing home phone will not work after May 23 and they will not be able to make or receive any calls. This includes emergency calls to triple zero [000] and those homes that have the medical alert system, VitalCall connected to the landline.

The installation of NBN equipment to your home is a free service.

Renters of properties must contact their landlord or real estate agent to get permission to connect to the NBN.