Concerns over the quality of the NBN rollout for the communities of East Ballina, Skennars Head and Lennox Head is being raised by Ballina’s Deputy Mayor, Keith Williams.
‘We know that fibre to the node places more reliance on the copper network, limits potential speeds and is more expensive to upgrade. This places a real limit on the economic potential of the area, not just now, but potentially for years to come.
After being contacted by numerous residents councillor Williams is calling on these communities to oppose NBN Co rollout plans for the region and insist on fibre to the kerb NBN as the minimum installation standard across the Shire.
‘It makes no sense whatsoever when you consider that all these areas are close to the coast and more exposed to the effects of salt water. This is precisely the areas where you want less reliance on copper.’
Cr Williams said failure to oppose NBN rollout plans now, risked leaving residents in these areas with a second class NBN.
‘NBN Co have insisted this is not second class technology, being essentially the same technology as fibre to the kerb. In this they are correct, but they avoid the central point. The greater reliance on the old copper network means it is a second rate service, slower, more prone to dropouts and more expensive to upgrade.
Cr Williams said ‘From my enquiries to date it seems there is no formal mechanism to seek a review of the NBN Co rollout plans. The only way these things change is by community pressure and adverse publicity.
‘I’m asking everyone in the area to go to the NBN website, check what the rollout plans are for your house and if it says Fibre to the Node, let NBN Co know that it just isn’t good enough. You deserve better.’
Better get in touch with Malcolm Turnbull, Mr. Deputy Mayor. Wasn’t he the Minister in charge when the Coalition took charge and didn’t the Prime Minister, one Tony Abbott, praise him to the skies for his ability and technical knowledge to say nothing of the fact that it was going to be so superior, cheaper, etc than anything the Labor Party could do? Just saying.
Everyone must support this! The NBN have so many complaints already, with slow speeds & lengthy waiting periods to have the lines up & running!. We live in Lennox & the only way we can have internet is through our broadband service with Telstra, as our mobile reception is almost non-existent!
If we had good mobile reception,we would tether our phone through our computer & go with a different provider, as Telstra has given us absolutely shocking service over a no of years. Plus they are one of the dearest providers. Here is a contact site for NBN : https://www1.nbnco.com.au/corporate-information/contact-us-form.html
My comment is pure fiber or don’t bother. VDSL is not much better than ADSL, up to five times at best and two time on average. Where as pure fiber is guaranteed 10000x better today, with the current fiber being installed.
At last a local councillor who actually cares and and isnt afraid to rock the boat. Go Ballina.
I started a Change.org petition a few weeks back as well & Councillor Williams and I spoke on Prime News last week about this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yomb5mrLR9s
Please support this. Sign the petition and share with everyone, also bombard the NBN with demands for Fibre to the Kerb.
http://bit.ly/nbnballina
We as a local service provider have had to fight the copper provider (Telstra) for years to do basic maintenance on the local copper network and exchanges in both Ballina and Lennox Head. ADSL has been sub-standard compared to our other customers around Australia.
Going with FTTN will only continue this sub-standard service using an old corroded and poorly managed copper service.
FTTC should have always been the standard installation method as the Phase 1 rollout for the NBN nationwide. It is simpler, cheaper and faster than FTTP, yet not compromising the quality that FTTN does!
Then a Phase 2 could have eventually upgraded everyone to full fibre.
Contact the NBN and ask for FTTC: http://snip.ly/r3onn#https://www2.nbnco.com.au/learn-about-the-nbn/rollout-map.html