ACCAN raises concerns with NBN rollout plan

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) is concerned that some consumers may be waiting up to five years for adequate broadband services as they are not in areas on the nbn’s three year rollout plan.

Up to 7.5 million homes and businesses have been added to nbn’s construction plan for the NBN rollout. The plan covers the period to September 2018 and includes areas where nbn will use Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) TV networks to connect premises.

ACCAN CEO Teresa Corbin said it was “very concerned” for consumers who have not made the list and are currently unable to get adequate broadband services.

“Some consumers are experiencing this if there are no ADSL ports available or their premises are too far from exchanges.”

Corbin urged Telstra and other telcos to maintain existing services and investigate alternative solutions for consumers in exchange areas without available services.

“Consumers who will be waiting up to five years should be offered alternative services.”

According to Corbin, the nbn’s plan shows the expected date that it will commence building the network in the areas listed.

“It can take a further 12 months after this date before consumers are contacted by nbn, notifying them that they can purchase services through a retail provider. Therefore the last construction areas on this plan [construction to begin in H2 2018] will likely not be able to purchase services until 2019,” she said.