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ACCAN has worked with Dr Paul Harrison (Deakin University) to examine the extent to which consumers understand the information provided to them by telecommunications providers. This research will guide ACCAN’s constructive contribution to future reviews of telecommunications industry customer information obligations, at a time when significant structural changes in the telecommunications market mean that consumers will be offered greater choice of retail providers and services.
Read more: Confident, but Confounded: Consumer Comprehension of Telecommunications Agreements
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The map was prepared using available data from Telstra (June 2016), nbn (October 2015) and the Department of Communications and Arts (MyBroadband Version 4 2016). It identifies areas, and the reasons, that may be unable to get an ADSL service and when these areas will have services over NBN.
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Consumers who are unable to get a broadband service often face a confusing and frustrating time.
ACCAN's Get Connected resource aims to help consumers understand the issues around why they are unable to get a broadband service and tips on how to get a service.
The mapping tool helps to understand the reasons that prevent a neighbourhood from getting an ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) broadband service. For example, if there are few ports available at the local exchange, if the neighbourhood is too far from an exchange or if the exchange is not ADSL enabled. It also provides consumers with a timeline of how long the neighbourhood may have issues.
The six helpful steps suggest actions that consumers can take to get a broadband service.
ADSL availability map
The map was prepared using available data from Telstra (June 2016), nbn (October 2015) and the Department of Communications and Arts (MyBroadband Version 4 2016). It identifies areas, and the reasons, that may be unable to get an ADSL service and when these areas will have services over NBN.
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If your broadband speeds are consistently lower than those advertised by your internet service provider (ISP) or is unreliable at any time during the day, you should contact your provider and clearly state that you want to make a complaint.
Explain how your internet is slow or unreliable. Evidence, such as recorded speed tests (many IPSs offer this on their website, or you can try other online speed tests such as Ookla’s Speedtest) or examples of times when you are unable or have difficulty using the service.
Read more: How to make a complaint about slow broadband speeds
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Home wireless provides internet at one location using a modem/gateway device with a mobile SIM card. It requires power from a socket in your house. A number of people and devices can connect to the internet through the modem/gateway.
It is important to check that the provider offers coverage at your house!
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Join the discussion on our Facebook Broadband Help group to share your experiences and connect with similar consumers.
Contact ACCAN at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are unable to get a service, or if you are a provider who can offer consumers’ services.
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Mobile broadband plans are designed to be used on the go. The SIM card inserts into one device, such as a tablet or phone. For more than one person or device to connect you need to 'hotspot' the device.
It is important to check that provider offers coverage in your house!
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Fixed wireless broadband provides internet using an antenna dish installed on your house.
Here are some that we are aware of:
- Acenet AirStream (NSW Southern Highlands)
- Aussie Broadband (Gippsland, Western Victoria, South Australia)
- Beam Internet (Barossa Valley and Regional SA)
- BITS wireless
- Bitwave Networks (NSW – Parks)
- Clear broadband (Perth, Tasmania, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide)
- Clearstream Broadband (QLD – Brisbane, Ipswich, Lockyer Valleys)
- Countrytell (NSW- Hunter, Mid North Coast)
- Dreamtilt (QLD)
- DCSI (West Gippsland)
- Gtelecom (Greater Melbourne area)
- iiNet WiMax (South Australia)
- Just IP (regional NSW and Queensland)
- Lightning Broadband
- Next Gen Wireless (Queensland and Northern Territory)
- Node1 (Geraldton, Walkaway, Dongara and Perth)
- NuSkope (South Australia)
- Red Broadband (Western Australia)
- Red fox (QLD)
- Shoalhaven Internet (NSW - Shoalhaven)
- Speedweb (VIC - Morewell, Traralgon, La Trobe Valley)
- Splash Internet (NSW Eden area)
- Tasmanet (Tasmania)
- The Signal Co (Canberra)
- Wires Broadband (Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Northern New South Wales)
- Wi Sky (regional NSW and Queensland)
- Uniti Wireless (Adelaide)
- YLess4U (ACT)
- Yourhub (Townsville, suburbs and surrounding areas)
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There are a number of companies that have their own ADSL equipment. If one provider has no availability, another might. Here are some companies that have their own ADSL equipment:
There may also be other fixed line networks that operate in your area that you may be able to use, such as:
- iiNet VDSL2 (ACT)
- Optus Cable (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane)
- Telstra (Velocity, South Brisbane, Cable)
- Wondercom FTTB
If you are in a new development you may have access to other networks. You can check the new developments map to see if you are covered.
Check nbn to see when you will be connected to the National Broadband Network.
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Ask your provider if your request for service can be added to a waiting list.
Providers should keep your address and notify you when services become available in the future.
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How the nbn offers services to retail service providers and the prices that it charges them is set out in a document called the ‘Special Access Undertaking (SAU)’. It is an important document that was first agreed in 2013 and will affect the price and quality of telecommunication services until 2040.
Earlier this year nbn asked for a number of changes to the document. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has the power to decide if the changes proposed are in the interest of consumers and has asked for feedback on them.
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Do you sometimes act as a ‘proxy internet user’ – where you use online services and applications on behalf of someone else who otherwise makes limited use of the internet? Proxy internet assistance often takes place within families – notably elderly parents being helped by their adult children. Other proxy users include people acting in a professional capacity – for example carers, social workers and other public-facing professionals who assist clients with specific online tasks.
Read more: Using the internet on behalf of others
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