NBN Co may reveal speeds

AUSTRALIANS might finally discover what download speeds they can expect under the National Broadband Network after the company behind the rollout revealed it was “considering” releasing secret household speed estimates hidden from the public.

NBN Co’s disclosure comes just a week after Telstra and Optus admitted they had unfairly charged NBN users for internet speeds they could not possibly receive.

Both companies will issue refunds to tens of thousands of NBN users.

NBN Co chief executive Bill Morrow, speaking at the company’s financial results update, said he recognised some consumers were still experiencing frustration when connecting to the national network and “it’s going to take months to iron out much of the issues”.

To alleviate frustration around internet speed expectations, Mr Morrow said the company was considering whether to publish its list of “theoretical” internet speeds each house or business in Australia could achieve, which could range from a top download speed of 25 megabits per second to four times that.

The information is presently only disclosed to internet service providers, and is checked once a property is connected to the NBN.

“(Publishing this information is) something we have been considering discussing with the government, and even with the (retail service providers),” Mr Morrow said.

He said NBN Co was more likely to step in and publish the information if internet providers did not “volunteer to do this” themselves.

Both Telstra and Optus were forced to issue refunds to thousands of Australians being charged for NBN speeds they could not possibly achieve due to the technology connected to their homes following an investigation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

Telstra will issue refunds to 42,000 of its internet users stung with higher charges, while an Optus spokeswoman said the company was “taking action to provide appropriate remedies” to customers the ACCC had identified as being overcharged.

NBN Co revealed almost 6.1 million premises were ready to connect to the network by the end of September, though only 2.9 million premises were actively using the NBN, and average revenue per user was stagnant at $43 per month.