This week’s introduction of “Local” teams by NBNCo has been branded as a “PR exercise” by Whitlam MP Stephen Jones.
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On Tuesday NBNCo rolled out the concept, which included a Wollongong team.
Amber Dornbusch, head of all NSW teams, said the aim was to allow for better co-ordination of the network engineers and other staff already “on the ground” in the Illawarra.
It would also look to improve fault detection and provide education and information about the installation of the NBN.
...a poor-attempt at a PR exercise.
- Whitlam MP Stephen Jones on NBNCo's Local team concept
However, Mr Jones – Labor’s spokesman on regional communication – said the move seemed “nothing more than a poor-attempt at a PR exercise”.
“There are very real problems with the NBN being rolled out under Malcolm Turnbull, particularly in regional areas,” Mr Jones said.
“NBN needs to make clear exactly where Local teams will be based and how they are to be resourced.
“Regional Australia is fed up with the spin, the NBN ping-pong and worthless advertising. People want answers and they want solutions.”
Mr Jones has written to NBN CEO Bill Morrow, asking whether the Local teams concept meant additional staffing and if those workers would be based in the regions they will be serving.