Local businesses demand NBN fine print

Beverley Head
Monday, 26 July 2010 15:42

IT Industry - Market

Natalie Muik is crying out for a better internet service for her family’s business and was interested to learn that Mike Quigley, ceo of NBN Co had today announced he would be sending her and other local businesses  a letter and consent form to sign up for the 100 Mbits a second National Broadband network. But first she wants to see the fine print.

Muik’s family owns and runs Illawarra Signs based in Minnamurra on the south coast of NSW, a region which has been selected as one of the NBN’s first release sites. Plagued by poor ADSL service in the area, she’s looking forward to a better internet service, but is savvy enough to know that “they may say it’s a free connection – but how much will it cost in the end?

“I have to see the costs,” Muik told iTWire.  And while Quigley is offering a free standard connection to businesses in the area which sign consent forms by August 31st – there are some catches.

NBN Co’s letters will be sent shortly to residents and businesses in First Release Sites including Minnamurra, Kiama Downs and Willunga to encourage them to sign the consent forms by the end of next month to receive a free standard optical fibre installation from the street to their premises. After that cut off date a fee may apply.

In media releases issued today Quigley said: ““When the network goes live people with the installed fibre optic cable will be able to choose a service from retail service providers and connect their premises to the National Broadband Network.

“By signing this consent form you don’t have to cancel your existing phone or internet service. It simply gives you a chance to prepare your premises for the opportunity to be part of the NBN at a time of your choosing once the network goes live,” Quigley said.

Certainly Ben van der Wijngaart, acting mayor of Kiama which covers Minnamurra and Kiama Downs, believes there is a real need for improved internet service in the region. “We’ve had a very poor and marginal service in terms of ADSL,” he said.