NBN pain for some users
THE rollout of the national broadband network may have reached five million homes and businesses across the country, but residents across the Geelong region remain divided on its success.
Peter Wortley’s Point Lonsdale home was connected to the NBN but six months later his connection dropped out.
In the ensuing four months, Telstra and the NBN have sent multiple technicians to his home, finding copper wiring was damaged following the collapse of a wiring pit.
“The problem is we can’t get a proper answer (as to when the connection will be returned),” Mr Wortley said.
“It’s the total lack of response from the NBN that is frustrating.”
The latest data from the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman reveals more than 14,500 complaints were made about the NBN in 2016.
Between July and December the NBN was connected or activated at more than 2.2 million homes and businesses nationally, with 7512 complaints lodged about the service.
Mr Wortley, who works for a wholesale furniture supplier from home, said Telstra continued to direct debit $70 a month for a “non-existent” NBN connection.
“I’m paying $175 for a 4G (wireless internet) dongle each month as well $70 for my NBN connection,” he said.
“We were getting (speeds of) 20MB per second when we first got the NBN and were very pleased but I’ve to rely on a dongle now.”
NBN spokesman Russell Kelly said: “The NBN (has) . . . identified further work is required on one of the communication pits.”
Mr Kelly could not say when the NBN would be reconnected to Mr Wortley’s home.
Other Point Lonsdale residents say their transition has been problem free.
“I can’t really tell the differ- ence in speed with the NBN but the service is fine,” one resident said.
Geelong Advertiser readers were yesterday divided on the quality of the NBN.
“Telstra NBN drops in and out, and sometimes drops out completely. In just under 18 months we have had three major drop outs. One lasted five months,” Leopold resident Ann-Maree Cafarella said.
Julian Fierro said: “I have iiNet NBN, live in 3215 and life is good.”
Connewarre, Fyansford and Highton residents say they are relying on mobile or dongle connections as they cannot access fixed internet connections.
Have you had problems connecting to the NBN or other internet in your area? Email: chad.vanestrop@ news.com.au