BROADBAND internet blackspots continue to plague Sunbury and other parts of Hume.
Present technology only allows for ADSL broadband reach to extend between 4km and 4.5km from a telephone exchange.
Before residents can connect to broadband, the exchange needs to be enabled.
But exchanges are limited in capacity and in some cases ports are full, denying customers access until more are opened.
Hume Council requested a report highlighting the lack of ADSL broadband services in July.
The final report, presented to the council at its meeting last Monday, found hundreds of Sunbury residents live more than 4km from the exchange and cannot connect to broadband, particularly in newly developed areas.
Jacksons Creek Ward councillor Ann Potter said Sunbury had ADSL exchanges but there were four pockets in the town that could not connect. The council needed to play an advocacy role for people who wanted broadband internet access.
“We need to be an advocate on the part of the community moving into new developments,” Cr Potter said. “These people have a brand-new house and TV, but no internet.”
Other growth areas struggling to connect are Roxburgh Park and Craigieburn.
Cr Drew Jessop said it was important the council demanded the highest possible internet service.
“It is vital infrastructure and communication is key in a modern community,” he said.
The report recommended the council strongly lobby Telstra, the Federal Government and housing developers to ensure new residents and businesses can connect to broadband internet services.
Source:
No comments:
Post a Comment