NBN & Telco Reps Address Connectivity in Cowra

Cowra Shire’s issues with NBN and mobile network connectivity have been addressed, with representatives from NBN Co. and Telstra presenting in Cowra last Thursday. The presentation, held at the Cowra Bowling Club, saw two representatives from NBN Co. and Telstra, as well as one each from local service provider Peak Connect, and Regional Tech Hub.

Around 25 people, including business leaders, Council representatives and other locals, attended to learn about what can be done about their various connectivity issues.

A number of local business owners raised concerns over the time taken by NBN to re-solve issues, with customers needing to go through their retail service provider first, for the RSP to then go to NBN.

NBN Co. Local Business Lead for Central and South East NSW, Steven Bowman, introduced “NBN Local” at the presentation, an initiative targeted at regional areas where NBN representatives are available to visit businesses in person that are having connectivity issues.

He said he felt this would be a good solution for businesses in Cowra, with dedicated NBN specialists being based in the Central West as part of NBN Local. Customers will still need to arrange an appointment through their RSP, however.

There were also many attendees at the forum from out of town that have been experiencing mobile network blackspots, with some saying this had severely impacted their ability to do business in villages such as Woodstock, Wyangala and Gooloogong. It comes after complaints about mobile coverage in Woodstock were made publicly by the Woodstock Progress Association. President Alison Rutledge said Woodstock, a village of 275 residents, had almost no Telstra coverage and only limited coverage from Optus.

“We can’t communicate with family and friends, we have problems engaging in business and when there is an emergency, we are unable to call for help,” Ms Rutledge said.

The Telstra representatives at the Cowra forum suggested residents in areas of Cowra Shire that were “on the cusp” of the mobile reception zone should invest in extension devices for their phones, which would give them a better chance of picking up a signal.

However they also said they were now aware of the troubles the lack of service was causing, and said they would continue working closely with the State and Federal Governments to remove black spots. Following the forum, Cowra Business Chamber President Jordan Core said he was confident both Telstra and NBN Co. would take further steps to ensure everyone across the Cowra Shire had secure access to the NBN and mobile networks.

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