MICHELLE ROWLAND MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS
MEMBER FOR GREENWAY
 

HAVE 20,000 REGIONAL HOUSEHOLDS BEEN DUMPED ONTO NBN SATELLITE AT THE LAST MOMENT?

 
An examination of the latest NBNCo rollout data reveals the number of households placed in the satellite footprint has suddenly jumped by 20,000 in the space of weeks, as the rollout approaches the revised 30 June 2020 deadline.

If these households have been shifted onto satellite from another technology it potentially means higher prices, slower speeds, and capped monthly downloads for those consumers.

Specifically, the report shows a sharp jump of satellite premises from the planned 410,000 to 430,000, which is out of step with historical data.

“It is not in the interests of regional Australia to have households and businesses  unnecessarily taken off fixed NBN technology and shifted to satellite”, Ms Rowland said. 

If this is a dumping exercise driven by short-term political objectives, I’d be very concerned. This is not how the NBN satellite was intended to be used.” 

“Our planning for broadband needs to be long-term. This is a serious quality of life issue and the Government must explain if technology shifting has occurred.”

Background

A document obtained under Freedom of Information shows NBNCo planned for the satellite footprint to reach 410,000 premises (page 6).

The latest NBN weekly report provides a breakdown of rollout statistics across various technologies.

Over the 25 available weekly reporting periods between 31 October 2019 and 9 April 2020, the size of the Satellite footprint ranged between 407,838 to 411,830 — entirely consistent with the planned 410,000 figure.

However, the satellite footprint has suddenly jumped to over 430,000 premises in the space of four reporting periods from 23 April 2020 to 21 May 2020.

Source: NBN weekly report ending 28 May 2020.  

THURSDAY, 4 JUNE 2020