Residents urged to make NBN submissions

Residents from the Wagstaffe-Killcare Community Association have called on locals to make submissions to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for more clarity about NBN speed.

The WTKCA said they had received a number of comments about the current internet service available under the NBN.

Most of these concerns relate to advertised speeds from providers.

While retail Internet Service Providers may advertise speeds up to 25, 50 or 100Mbps, many offer no guarantee of these speeds when pressed for details.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is currently conducting a Consumer Consultation on Broadband Speed Claims.

Submissions close on August 25.

The Commission wants more accessible information for consumers about broadband speeds in order to improve competition and consumer outcomes in the retail broadband market, according to Chairman Mr Rod Sims.

"Consumers are entitled to expect clear and accurate information about broadband services," he said.

"At the moment, it is difficult for consumers to access accurate information as broadband advertising is not focusing upon speed and performance.

"Consumers are being presented with little information or vague claims like 'boost' and 'fast', or just pictures in advertising of athletes or animals.

"Consumers need accurate information about broadband speed and performance so that they can understand if what they are being offered will actually meet their needs," Mr Sims said.

Mr Sims said he believed that improved consumer information will minimise the potential for consumers to be misled, reduce consumer search costs, and assist consumers to make informed purchasing and switching decisions.

Newsletter, 6 Aug 2016

Peta Colebach, Wagstaffe to Killcare Community Association

Media release, 26 Jul 2016

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission