NBN delay leaves Teesdale locals frustrated

SOME Teesdale locals have said they feel disregarded by the Federal Government, as they continue to experience poor internet access in the town.

Resident Tim Wood said it’s like he and his neighbours have been “ignored.”

“While other regional communities have access to reliable internet, we have to rely on substandard connections,” he said. “That affects us all in many ways, but ultimately it means we have been overlooked.

“It’s not good enough.”

Fellow resident Kerry Grull said she was told her home would be hooked up to the National Broadband Network by 2022, but it has not been connected.

Under her current set-up, she said the connection regularly

cuts off.

“The people came out and checked out what we’ve got and what we haven’t got and measured everything,” she said.

“We waited and waited. I rang him up at one stage and he said, ‘oh yeah, it’s in the pipeline.’

“This was a couple of years ago and that was the last we heard of it. How many people have problems with the internet that we’ve got now?”

A spokesperson for the Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland said NBN fixed wireless network upgrades are expected in Teesdale as part of the Regional Connectivity Program in coming months.

Information from the Minister’s office said download speeds are supposed to be four times faster once the changes are made.

“The Government has been advised by NBN there have been challenges facing the implementation of RCP-funded projects in Teesdale,” the spokesperson said.

“Instead, locals in the region will see improved connectivity through the NBN’s Fixed Wireless Upgrade Program, supported by the $480 million budget contribution from the Albanese Government.”

Liberal Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said “broadband connectivity in every community matters.”

The Minister’s office said NBN Fixed Wireless is available for 500 properties in Teesdale, and a total of about 800 homes and businesses should have access once upgrades are complete.

The Federal Government’s aim with the RCP is to solve internet connection issues in regional and rural communities like Teesdale which are outside the fixed-line footprint areas.