NBN Upgrade Sparks Debate Over Cost and Growth

The federal government's $750 million NBN fixed wireless upgrade was meant to improve regional connectivity, but with just 100 new customers in the past quarter and over 1,000 leaving in the past year, critics say the investment has fallen short. The opposition claims the poor uptake reflects a “delivery failure,” while the government argues it's essential for rural communities.

The NBN upgrade, announced in early 2022 and completed late last year, was intended to enhance broadband speeds for regional Australians. The project received $480 million in taxpayer funding, with an additional $270 million from NBN Co. However, despite these efforts, NBN's overall customer growth has stalled.

Opposition figures argue the investment hasn’t yielded expected results. Meanwhile, Vodafone TPG - one of NBN’s biggest commercial partners - has called for the removal of subsidies, questioning the long-term viability of the network. The government, on the other hand, says regional Australia needs continued investment to ensure reliable and affordable broadband.

The debate over NBN’s future has become a major election issue. The government recently injected another $3 billion into NBN, further fuelling concerns about rising broadband costs and potential privatisation. As more Australians turn to alternative providers like Starlink for faster connectivity, the long-term success of NBN’s fixed wireless service remains uncertain.

Source: The Australian, Skymesh, Independent Australia