How remote is too remote to get the NBN? About a kilometre from a node, in Dunmore man Glen Steggles' experience.
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Mr Steggles asked about getting the NBN connected to his business, Dunmore Resources and Recycling, in November last year, after his ADSL connection went on the blink.
Like many business owners he operates more and more online, and needs a fast, reliable connection to manage booking and customer accounts.
He was initially told: "The physical cable distance from the identified premises to the node cannot guarantee a minimum 25Mbps Download and 5Mbps upload speed, as required by the Australian Government for fixed line services."
Although there is copper wiring infrastructure to his property, he was told they were beyond the current NBN network boundary.
Mr Steggles was disappointed at the prospect of having to switch to satellite, as neighbouring businesses had told him it was unreliable.
But when he found out his closest neighbour had fibre-to-the-node (FTTN) NBN access, he was infuriated.
"I measured the distance myself and found that I'm 998 metres from the node," he said.
"My neighbour, who has the NBN, is 88 metres from me.
"The furthest property serviced by the same node is 1.1 kilometres away from it, and that's just a residential address, not a small business of any sort."
Mr Steggles went back to NBN and demanded an explanation - and an independent investigation.
He was told his request for FTTN was declined due to "a business decision" made by the NBN, and that his case had been closed.
"NBN has no agreements or plans to take over the existing network from the owner of the copper assets (Telstra) beyond the current NBN network boundary at this time," an email from an NBN representative went on to say.
Mr Steggles was not satisfied with the response.
"The NBN rolled out four years ago," he said.
"As a business owner I have a right to the NBN, I've paid for the NBN with my taxes.
"Give me my money back if you're not going to supply it."
His internet connection regularly bombs out, leaving him unable to complete basic tasks.
NBN Co has been approached for comment. A spokesperson said they are investigating the issue, and will provide a response once the investigation is complete.
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