A Commonwealth Parliamentary inquiry into the rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN) has today heard how Western Australia’s economy is being compromised through the lack of fast, reliable internet connections the service was supposed to deliver.
The Joint Standing Committee heard how many Western Australian households and businesses are experiencing delays in being connected to the NBN, unreliable service delivery and slower speeds than expected at a higher cost.
A key source of frustration is the lack of publicly available information about the rollout, making it difficult for individuals, businesses and Government agencies to plan for access to the service.
The committee also heard that the inferior NBN technologies being deployed across much of WA are not suitable for the State’s current and future digital needs, with communities in regional and remote areas being particularly affected.
Acting Innovation and ICT Minister Simone McGurk said “If Australia is to compete on the world stage, we need access to fast, reliable and affordable internet.
It’s fundamental to the diverse, modern and innovation-driven economy the McGowan Government is committed to building for WA.
Unfortunately, many Western Australians have internet access slower than that of some developing nations.
“The remote areas in our State are being particularly affected by the slow rollout of the NBN and the inferior but more expensive satellite technology being deployed.
High performing, affordable internet in these areas will drive economic development and help address social and economic disadvantage.
“This Government will continue to argue for Western Australian households and businesses to have access to the best infrastructure and technologies available.”
Morley MLA Amber-Jade Sanderson said “In my electorate of Morley, internet access is so abysmal that a number of high school students have to travel by bus to friends’ houses as they are unable to complete homework or do research in their own homes.
“Unreliable service delivery and slower internet speeds means households do not have the access to technology they were promised under the NBN rollout.
“Due to the outdated infrastructure in our area, businesses are packing up and moving to other suburbs, which is bad for local jobs and bad for our communities.”
Source: Media Statements – State Government takes NBN fight to Federal inquiry