A recent survey of Gungahlin residents has found that of the residents using dial-up internet, 85% wanted broadband but were unable to get it.
Disturbingly, of the 182 detailed respondents, 28% of residents have tried to get broadband but were unsuccessful, and 21% are on waiting lists. Many residents reported that they have been waiting for more than 6 months!
A staggering 57% of respondents said that they would not purchase a new residence in the area without a guarantee of a future-proof broadband connection.
This survey was launched in August and was the initiative of Ewan Brown of the Small Enterprise Telecommunications Centre (SETEL), and supported by the Gungahlin Community Council (GCC). It was necessary because of the ongoing frustrations of many Gungahlin residents unable to get affordable, high quality broadband services.
ACT Labor Senator Kate Lundy started the national campaign against Telstra’s use of line-splitting (pair gain) technology, which blocks or inhibits broadband services who over 5 years ago. “It is outrageous that there is still such a poor fixed line service in most of Gungahlin. A new network is required and I urge companies to consider making that investment.
“The survey shows that there are still far too many residents in Gungahlin who are missing out on broadband technology. I am particularly concerned that the high number of home-based businesses and small businesses located in Gungahlin are at such a disadvantage if they can’t get broadband.”
Unfortunately, Gungahlin residents in the older suburbs are missing out on the latest broadband technology because of 10 years of Howard Government infrastructure complacency allowed Telstra to install technology on the cheap that did not support broadband.
Under the Howard government, Australia is now ranked a mere 17 out of 30 of countries surveyed by the OECD on high-speed internet take-up.
While Canberra generally fares better than most regional towns and cities in broadband connectivity, it is still a major problems in places such as the older suburbs of Gungahlin, Dunlop, and some areas serviced by the Civic Exchange.
A future federal Labor Government is committed to ensuring that all Australians will be able to enjoy access to an affordable genuine broadband telecommunications service.
Contact: Rachel Allen – 0418 488 295 (Lundy)
