Australians value affordability and reliability above all else when it comes to their NBN connections and while faster services are valued, speed mustn’t mean affordability goes by the wayside.

Data from a new report by peak communications consumer body ACCAN shows that Australians believe that NBN Co should continue its fibre upgrade program, but investment in the network should not come at the expense of consumers who do not have the means to pay. They also believe that NBN Co should directly compensate consumers for failing to meet service standards, with rebates going directly to consumers rather than retailers.

The report, Future of Australia’s NBN, launched at an event in the Sydney CBD on Tuesday 10 March,is the result of in-depth community meetings, public forums and online workshops conducted as part of ACCAN’s scrutiny of NBN Co’s proposed future expenditure.

Consumers also expressed support for retail price controls as part of stronger consumer protections for NBN Co. Consumers felt that if NBN Co offered a safety net service, that retailers should not be allowed to earn excessive margins on the service. The public believes that ‘safety net’ wholesale service, (the Entry Level Offer):

Should be subject to retail price controls to ensure it is affordable for vulnerable and low-income consumers who need it most.Should be upgraded to a faster speed and be reviewed frequently to ensure it meets community expectations.

ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett said that these important findings come thanks to the deep time investment communities and consumers across the country have made in working with ACCAN’s team and will inform NBN Co’s priorities for years to come.

“We now have a far greater understanding of what everyday Australians want from their National Broadband Network – affordable and reliable services, and for their digital connectivity needs to be met.”

“Our team is immensely proud of this work. I encourage policymakers to take note of its key recommendations. Consumers want to be able to access the services they need and use, they want their broadband to provide this access, and they do not want superfluous or unnecessary programs or spending to needlessly inflate costs.”

“We thank all community members and organisations who participated in our engagement program and express again our thank the Federal Government for the grant funding which has powered the suite of work ACCAN has undertaken on the economic regulation of the National Broadband Network.”

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES