Not bloody necessary: this is the name of the new website by mobile and internet provider OVO which allows residents to check their internet speeds in the wake of the NBN rollout.
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The idea is simple. The geo-based map website allows residents to login in and register broadband speeds, tests the megabits per second then ranks the speed on a metre for users to analyse the information in their area.
OVO CEO Matt Jones said the website is a resource to identify those facing slower fixed broadband speeds. He proposes mobile broadband is far superior than the fixed internet service.
“This whole pricing based on speed counter intuitive. With mobile we don’t choose our speed, it is as fast as possible,” he said.
“It performs a lot better than the archaic fixed broadband. Mobile we know that delivers fastest speeds. Some people are in NBN limbo and find themselves worse off. The key question in my area is what’s better?”
“When it comes to fixed broadband in this country, we've been sold a Bentley but saddled with a rusty bicycle − and told we have no choice but to ride it. We’re letting people share their experience so they can make an informed decision.”
A few thousand people have already visited the website which went live about a month ago. A “frustration in the market” has lead to the focus on large mobile packages for consumers, Mr Jones said.
“Why would we launch fixed internet serve when the experience is poor and there is an amazing resource hasn't been put together and packaged up,” he said.
OVO has packages of up to 100GB, offering the largest prepaid mobile data plan in the country, and is partnered with Optus to connect to the 4G network.
NBN Australia will be holding an update for residents on the rollout across the local government area at the Council Chambers at 5pm on Tuesday.
First federal inquiry into NBN progress
A joint federal committee of 17, made up of Australian Liberal Party, Labour, Nationals and Independent parliamentarians recently released its first report into the NBN rollout.
The committee put forward 23 recommendations which included:
- The establishment of a regional and remote reference group, made up of consumer advocates and departmental representation, to voice any problems with the rollout.
- An independent audit into the financial and business projections by NBNco.
- A restructure to the data allowance for those accessing the Sky Muster satellite.
- Greater facilitation between the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman and users on the NBN facing difficulties.
- That NBNCo publish regular updates on the end user experience, satisfaction and technology used.
Minister for Communications Mitch Fifield also announced a Broadband Performance Monitoring and Reporting (BPMR) program to fixed-line NBN services would also be implemented.
“By collecting and publishing information about the speed and reliability of broadband packages, consumers will be better placed to choose a plan that is right for them. It will also encourage retailers to compete on the quality of their broadband plans,” Mr Fifield said.
Despite the economic, health and business opportunities gained from the NBN in regional and remote areas, the report voiced concerns into limitations of the service.
“The committee is concerned that NBN is delivering a service of quite varied quality with the potential to fall short of a ubiquitous network in which a foundation of reliable, affordable, high-speed internet is available to the vast majority of households and businesses,” the report said.
“While the committee is encouraged by the fact that the rollout is ahead of schedule, it has to be noted that the quality, ubiquity, and fairness of the NBN is under question.”
This is the first report into the NBN since the announcement of its rollout.