Opticomm Outages: A Growing Divide in Australian Internet Access
For Jason Taylor, a Darwin resident, reliable internet access isn’t a given. He experiences monthly outages, sometimes lasting up to two weeks. His situation isn’t unique. Across Australia, roughly half a million properties are served by private fibre optic networks like Opticomm, bypassing the publicly-owned National Broadband Network (NBN). This is creating a two-tiered system, where service quality and consumer protections significantly differ.
The Patchy Performance of Private Networks
Although Opticomm utilizes similar fibre-optic technology to the NBN, consumer advocacy groups and customers report a stark contrast in service reliability. Carol Bennett, CEO of the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN), describes Opticomm’s service as “at best patchy.” This inconsistency stems from a lack of robust regulation compared to the NBN, which is overseen by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
Compensation Challenges and ISP Responsibility
Seeking compensation for these recurring outages proves difficult for customers. Mr. Taylor’s experience highlights this frustration. After repeated disconnections, his internet service provider (ISP), InfiNET, refused to cover losses, citing the outages as an Opticomm issue. He was ultimately dropped as a customer, with the ISP stating the cost of potential fines from the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) outweighed the value of his service. The TIO acknowledges customers may be entitled to refunds or compensation even when the fault lies with the infrastructure provider, but accessing this support remains a challenge.
ACCC Review and Potential Regulation Changes
The ACCC is aware of the service quality concerns and is currently reviewing the regulatory model for private networks. A decision on potential adjustments is expected by late July. The ACCC is as well exploring new record-keeping rules to allow for performance comparisons between Opticomm and the NBN, potentially incentivizing improvements. However, industry experts and the TIO agree that lasting solutions require changes to the Telecommunications Act to establish clear service quality standards.
The Digital Divide: A Growing Concern
The current situation contributes to a growing “digital divide,” where access to reliable internet depends on location and infrastructure ownership. Ms. Bennett emphasizes that unreliable internet access hinders work, education, healthcare and access to government services, creating an economic and social disadvantage. This is particularly concerning for those seeking affordable housing in areas often served by private networks like Opticomm.
Opticomm’s Response and Future Investments
Opticomm has stated It’s investing in infrastructure to improve its network across Australia, including plans to introduce backup infrastructure in the Northern Territory within three months. However, the immediate challenges faced by customers like Jason Taylor remain.
FAQ: Opticomm vs. NBN
- What is the difference between Opticomm and NBN? Opticomm is a privately owned fibre network, while NBN is government-owned.
- Is Opticomm faster than NBN? Both can offer similar speeds, but service reliability differs.
- Who regulates Opticomm? Currently, regulation is less robust than for NBN, but the ACCC is reviewing this.
- What can I do if I experience outages with Opticomm? Contact your ISP first, document all issues, and consider contacting the TIO.
Pro Tip: When house hunting, check which network – NBN or Opticomm – services the area. Reliable internet is increasingly essential, so prioritize this when making your decision.