Why does copper need more maintaining now?
I HAVE recently been informed by my phone and internet provider, Spark, that the price of my broadband is to rise by $60 per annum — ‘‘to reflect the increasing costs of maintaining copper’’.
Copper suddenly seems to have become more prone to corrosion.
The communication from Spark urged me to change over to fibre broadband with the enticing prospect of ‘‘World Cup Rugby’’. But my copper broadband service has been every bit as fast and reliable as I need it to be.
Neighbours who have changed over to fibre have complained of difficulties and damage to their properties caused by the installers. So I have no wish to change.
Furthermore, the copper connection to my house is also necessary for my burglar and smoke alarms and my St John’s emergency alarm. Any change to those connections will no doubt have an additional cost.
I hesitate to suggest that Spark’s policy change is a callous attempt to rid themselves of the copper network and home phones.
But not only pensioners and other low income families are affected. So, too, are many rural customers, for whom there is no alternative to copper. Ross Grimmett
Dunedin
Stop airport growth
SO Jacqui Dean says a proposed new airport in Central Otago would be a ‘‘game changer’’ for the region.
How right she is! But not for the reasons she espouses. Another nail in the coffin for this once remote and beautiful region, I suggest.
Queenstown and Wanaka have lost their charm due to being overexploited by the current tourist boom and businesses hungry for the tourist dollar.
Leave the hustle and bustle, jet aircraft noise pollution and associated traffic mayhem out of Central Otago. Central does not need to commit itself to the ridiculous growth pathway that others seem to have followed.
If there are too many passengers coming to Queenstown Airport, then maybe it is time for locals to take stock and say enough is enough, and cap numbers — rather than let the Aucklandbased Queenstown Airport Company and politicians tell us what is good for us. Gavin Dann
Alexandra
Proper Southland towns
AS a sometime Southlander, I object to you referring to Winton, Otautau and Tuatapere as ‘‘townships’’ in your super quiz for today (ODT, 18.9.18). They are towns.
This is a slight on the former southern province by its once richer neighbour. For some townships, try (east to west) Waimahaka, Wrights Bush and Waimatuku.
Allan Golden
Dunedin
1080 editorial
THANK you for the editorial on 1080 (ODT, 15.9.18). It says what is necessary and, hopefully, allays fears generated by the Flat Earth Society.
Graham Taylor
Luggate