Small Business Minister and Riverina MP Michael McCormack keen to help on NBN problems

“The more I am informed of these problems the better I can assist, respond and bring the issues to the attention of the Minister for Communications,” Mr McCormack said.

“My office has been responding to each NBN enquiry and complaint it has received, raising individual cases with NBN Co.”

Reports of NBN service outages and poor communications drew considerable response from the community, with more than three quarters of people saying they had problems with the technology.

Wagga man Frank Smith said he had spoken to Mr McCormack’s office about his mother’s problems with the NBN, which saw her without a landline phone for three weeks.

“My office made representations on behalf of Mr Smith and his mother to Telstra and followed up on his concerns,” Mr McCormack said.

“I understand Mr Smith’s issue has been resolved. However, it is disappointing the matter took so long to reach its conclusion.”

Both Mr McCormack and Rural Communications Minister Fiona Nash recently welcomed moves by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to clarify internet connection speeds, amid confusion over what people were actually paying for.

“I am aware of the concerns raised by some within the community about the speeds of internet packages marketed and sold as NBN plans – suggesting the plan will be very fast – however the fine print reveals their speed is actually not expected to be that fast,” Mr McCormack said.

“I am pleased the ACCC has spoken out about retailers who put out confusing information for customers and the ACCC chair, Rod Sims, has indicated the industry must meet consumer demand for accurate information about broadband speeds.

“The ACCC will be working with retailers to have them provide better information to customers.”

This story first appeared on the Cootamundra Herald.