While Telstra’s announcement of a new Telecommunication Exchange to be built at the Gungahlin Town Centre is welcomed, it should not be forgotten that this means Gungahlin residents are only moving from a broadband backwater to being able to access services that are available in most other metropolitan areas in Australia.
This is a step in the right direction. Labor’s campaign to improve broadband services in Gungahlin has received a great deal of support from Gungahlin residents particularly home-based small business operators.
My online survey has had responses from people who would subscribe to affordable broadband services, demonstrating a level of demand, so it is about time Telstra responded.
However, a new exchange does not necessarily translate into broadband for all who want it. These questions need to be answered;
 |
Will any pair-gains or RIMS be used? |
|
Which residents will be serviced by the new exchange? |
|
How many people will be ineligible for ADSL because of the 3.5km radius and other limitations? |
|
Will the exchange be provisioned to service all Gungahlin residents with broadband? |
In addition, there are still other areas in Canberra unable to access broadband for the same reasons as Gungahlin, for example Dunlop. I call on Telstra to consider a new exchange for these areas as well, and in the meantime use the available technology (minimux) to provide at least some broadband services.
There is still much to be done, and Labor, including Katy Gallagher and Bob McMullan, has been very successful in leading the community campaign for some improvement.
Media contact: Adina Cirson – (02) 6277 3334 or the Electorate Office – 0418 488 295.
