Buffering inequity: NBN rollout leaves some Aussies in digital dark ages
- Replies 16
In a world where the internet has become as essential as electricity and water, it's hard to fathom that access to high-speed broadband could be so unevenly distributed.
Yet, this is the reality for some Aussie residents who have found themselves on the wrong side of a digital divide due to a bizarre rollout from a major provider.
This disparity has sparked concern and frustration among affected communities, highlighting ongoing challenges in the country's broadband infrastructure rollout.
The National Broadband Network's (NBN) rollout has been a topic of heated discussion and controversy for years, but recent developments in Sydney's west have brought the issue to a boiling point.
The rollout has been criticised as ‘unfair’ and ‘ridiculous’, prompting a Federal MP to demand a review, especially following confirmation that certain areas in Australia have been excluded from the network coverage.
Residents of Glenmore Park, like Ash, an IT specialist who depends on reliable internet to work from home, are calling the situation ‘absolutely crazy’.
While their neighbours are being ushered into the future with free fibre internet upgrades, they are being left in the dust with a hefty $10,000 quote for the same service.
Ash was shocked to discover the cost of upgrading his connection to fibre when the service was freely available just a few doors down.
‘That's what NBN wants me to pay to provide fibre to my house when it's available three houses away,’ he shared.
Leon, another resident less than 20 metres from a connection node, faced a similar predicament.
Despite his proximity to the infrastructure, he's been told he must pay while his neighbours were upgraded at no cost.
‘We're not living in the outback, we're not living in a third world country,’ he rightly pointed out, expressing the frustration felt by many in his community.
During a recent Senate Estimates hearing, the NBN stated that it was ‘uneconomical’ to extend access to all Australians, citing limitations in ‘the pit and pipe infrastructure that's available’.
Interim Chief Executive Philip Knox also disclosed that the national broadband provider generated $2.75 billion in revenue in the first half of the year—marking a five per cent increase from the previous year.
‘Getting told they've got to pay $10,000 to a company that is making profits, I don't think that is going to sit very well,’ Penrith MP Melissa McIntosh stated.
‘There's so many people across Western Sydney doing it so tough right now in this cost of living crisis.’
‘The people of Glenmore Park are not asking for a handout; they're just asking for a decision by the NBN to be fair and balanced,’ she added.
According to a statement from the NBN, cost was among several factors considered when determining who would receive free access.
‘This approach enables NBN to deliver fibre upgrades to as many homes as possible,’ a spokesperson said.
The NBN's new fibre upgrade aims to provide internet speeds and reliability unprecedented in Australia's history.
Here is NBN’s full statement:
As disparities in NBN fibre upgrades stir controversy over fairness and accessibility, Australia's cyber landscape is poised for a significant transformation.
With millions set to benefit from enhanced internet speeds and reliability post-upgrade, the initiative promises to bridge gaps and empower communities with faster connectivity.
This forward-thinking approach underscores the critical need for equitable access to digital infrastructure across the country.
Have you or someone you know been affected by the NBN rollout in a similar way? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.
Yet, this is the reality for some Aussie residents who have found themselves on the wrong side of a digital divide due to a bizarre rollout from a major provider.
This disparity has sparked concern and frustration among affected communities, highlighting ongoing challenges in the country's broadband infrastructure rollout.
The National Broadband Network's (NBN) rollout has been a topic of heated discussion and controversy for years, but recent developments in Sydney's west have brought the issue to a boiling point.
The rollout has been criticised as ‘unfair’ and ‘ridiculous’, prompting a Federal MP to demand a review, especially following confirmation that certain areas in Australia have been excluded from the network coverage.
Residents in Sydney's Glenmore Park face a nearly $10,000 fee for an NBN fibre upgrade, contrasting with nearby neighbours who receive the upgrade at no cost. Credit: Shutterstock
Residents of Glenmore Park, like Ash, an IT specialist who depends on reliable internet to work from home, are calling the situation ‘absolutely crazy’.
While their neighbours are being ushered into the future with free fibre internet upgrades, they are being left in the dust with a hefty $10,000 quote for the same service.
Ash was shocked to discover the cost of upgrading his connection to fibre when the service was freely available just a few doors down.
‘That's what NBN wants me to pay to provide fibre to my house when it's available three houses away,’ he shared.
Leon, another resident less than 20 metres from a connection node, faced a similar predicament.
Despite his proximity to the infrastructure, he's been told he must pay while his neighbours were upgraded at no cost.
‘We're not living in the outback, we're not living in a third world country,’ he rightly pointed out, expressing the frustration felt by many in his community.
During a recent Senate Estimates hearing, the NBN stated that it was ‘uneconomical’ to extend access to all Australians, citing limitations in ‘the pit and pipe infrastructure that's available’.
Interim Chief Executive Philip Knox also disclosed that the national broadband provider generated $2.75 billion in revenue in the first half of the year—marking a five per cent increase from the previous year.
‘Getting told they've got to pay $10,000 to a company that is making profits, I don't think that is going to sit very well,’ Penrith MP Melissa McIntosh stated.
‘There's so many people across Western Sydney doing it so tough right now in this cost of living crisis.’
‘The people of Glenmore Park are not asking for a handout; they're just asking for a decision by the NBN to be fair and balanced,’ she added.
According to a statement from the NBN, cost was among several factors considered when determining who would receive free access.
‘This approach enables NBN to deliver fibre upgrades to as many homes as possible,’ a spokesperson said.
The NBN's new fibre upgrade aims to provide internet speeds and reliability unprecedented in Australia's history.
Here is NBN’s full statement:
As disparities in NBN fibre upgrades stir controversy over fairness and accessibility, Australia's cyber landscape is poised for a significant transformation.
With millions set to benefit from enhanced internet speeds and reliability post-upgrade, the initiative promises to bridge gaps and empower communities with faster connectivity.
This forward-thinking approach underscores the critical need for equitable access to digital infrastructure across the country.
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