Are you fed up with slow internet? I am. I
run my business from home, and also use the internet like many other people –
to stay connected, and for entertainment.
I’ve been in touch with Telstra about drop
outs and slow speeds. I’ve had a technician visit to test the speed – and yes,
it’s slow. In fact, he was surprised we had any connectivity at all!
The issue is infrastructure. Our area of
Bells Beach (roughly between Bells Boulevard and Addiscott Road) falls through
the cracks. We’re too far from the Torquay exchange (after more than 6 km
connectivity drops dramatically). Addiscott Road is serviced by its own Telstra
sub-station, which we don't have access to.
Oh, and if you’re thinking the roll out of
the NBN (National Broadband Network) will resolve all these issues, don’t count
on it. The initial roll-out stops at Bells Boulevard, so we miss out again.
In conversation with various Telstra
representatives these were the options offered:
1.
Move (yeah, right!)
2.
Because I have an ABN, switch
to a business account which will enable better access – at a much higher cost
per month (I have equity issues with this suggestion: it’s okay for me because
I have an ABN. What about people in the area who don’t? And why should I pay
extra simply because of where I live to receive comparable service?)
3.
Lobby Telstra through various
politicians for improved infrastructure.
So I’m opting for Option 3.
Would you like to add your voice?
If so, please fill in your details
below by September 24.
I’ll collate the on- and off-line responses and send our
request to the Council and also local State and Federal politicians, as well as
Telstra reps.
Thanks.