ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS ON THE NBN ROLLOUT IN EIGHT MILE PLAINS AND WISHART
Local residents and business owners had the opportunity to learn more about the National Broadband Network (NBN) rollout in Eight Mile Plains and Wishart, thanks to an NBN information session today hosted by Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta.
NBN Co Queensland State Manager, Lisa Berrie, joined Mr Vasta to help answer questions and provide solutions to attendees’ various connection issues.
“I’m pleased to report that 21 per cent of the NBN rollout is complete in Bonner, with all premises to have access to NBN services by 2020,” Mr Vasta said.
“Over time the NBN will replace most of the existing networks as the deliverer of a new service network. At the end of 2020, there will be further plans for path upgrades and speed building to ensure the best service is continually on offer for all users.”
Mrs Berrie said NBN Co had been hearing from some people regarding a lack of speed on their connection.
“In this instance ‘bandwidth choking’ is occurring— service providers have not purchased enough capacity from NBN to supply certain speeds. The issue is that the network is being oversold and is therefore not providing the speeds that NBN Co has the capacity to provide to each household,” Mrs Berrie said.
“What we recommend when switching over to the NBN is to shop around for a suitable provider. Ask them how much bandwidth they’ve purchased from NBN Co, and if you’ll experience bandwidth congestion. What is the capacity of my modem and will it throttle the speeds coming into my home?”
Mrs Berrie said NBN Co understood many people were frustrated about being told one thing by NBN and another by their telco providers in regards to solving these issues. She said there is currently an ACCC investigation ongoing and that NBN Co is confident there will be positive outcomes for all consumers following the investigation.
In response to questions about whether extra boxes would be required inside the home to be connected to the NBN, Mrs Berrie said there are a number of different solutions depending on the location of a person’s property and the service NBN Co is able to provide.
“You may have FTTP (Fibre to the Premise), FTTN (Fibre to the Node), or HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial), which will determine whether you have additional devices to be installed at your premise or not. All of this information is readily available at the NBN Co website,” Mrs Berrie said.
Mrs Berrie said it would be compulsory for every household in Australia to switch over to the NBN.
“You will have 18 months to do this from the installation date. This will give you plenty of time to shop around and look into the options and packages available to you. You will also be reminded plenty of times during this 18 month period. NBN sends out all forms of communications to each and every household as a matter of priority as the 18 month deadline draws to a close,” Mrs Berrie said.
Mr Vasta asked those with further issues or questions to contact his office or visit the NBN Co website at www.nbnco.com.au.
Due to popular demand, Mr Vasta will be hosting another NBN information session at Mt Gravatt Showgrounds on Thursday, 13th July from 10am to 11am (RSVP to ross.vasta.mp@aph.gov.au or call 3893 3488).
