ACCAN has recently responded to a consultation which sought views on nbn Co’s proposal to develop a quality assurance mark (the Mark) for network extension devices. The aim of the Mark is to assist the agricultural sector in reaching its productivity potential via digital technologies, specifically through extending home-based NBN connections beyond the home.

ACCAN supports nbn Co’s efforts to improve agricultural connectivity, however in our response we raised concerns that the Mark may not be enough to help guide farm consumption of network extension devices and promote the benefits of agtech more broadly. This is due to an array of issues and challenges farmers experience whilst trying to extend their connection. It is important for nbn Co to consider whether the overall benefit of the Mark will outweigh the overall cost. That said, if nbn Co chooses to develop the Mark we recommend that this be accompanied by sufficient consumer education regarding the introduction of the Mark, and that the information is accessible, and in plain non-technical language. 

Download:  NBN Connecting Landscape93.06 KB
Download:  NBN Connecting Landscape193.71 KB