Over the last two years, Labor’s federal and local representatives have worked closely with the Gungahlin and West Belconnen communities to put pressure on telecommunications carriers to deliver better mobile phone and broadband communications services.
Today, some progress seems to have been made with Chief Minister John Stanhope opening a new exchange in Gungahlin.
However, just how much difference this will make to many frustrated residents remains to be seen. Telstra claims that the new exchange will meet the forecast demand for ADSL services as the suburbs grow.
But it is unclear the extent of the new exchange’s reach, particularly into the newer areas of Gungahlin. I urge residents to make inquiries through all carriers offering ADSL services to see if they are able to purchase a broadband service.
I have requested the details of the extent of the new infrastructure and urge Telstra to make the details public, so people can make informed decisions on their housing investment based on the availability of broadband services.
For many home-based businesses, students and researchers, the availability of broadband services is essential.
Many other areas in Canberra and the surrounding region are still unable to get broadband services so Labor will continue to pressure communications carriers to invest in broadband infrastructure.
Contact: Kate Roffey – (02) 6277 3334 or 0411 969 364
