On today s program:
One of Australia’s most remote roadhouses is the latest to receive mobile phone service. But there’s a catch - it’s Optus only. The roadhouse says its virtually useless as people in the region mostly have Telstra. In the Federal Government’s mobile blackspot program, most contracts have been awarded to Telstra but 100 are for Optus. Advocates say one operator should be in charge of all blackspot coverage, shared with all networks, so there are no gaps. In the township of Lockhart River on the far north eastern side of Cape York in Queensland, it has had no or patchy communications for almost a week now. That means for the 800 locals there they couldn t use a mobile, a fax, landline, email or internet.
Mobile phone black spot gets Optus base station in middle of Telstra country
WedWednesday 10
The closest community to the Tjukayirla Roadhouse is about 200 kilometres away.
(
Share
Print text only
Cancel
When staff at a remote roadhouse heard they were getting mobile phone reception, they thought it would bring them one step closer to the outside world.
Key points:
It enables emergency calls but customers need to be with Optus for normal phone use
A communications advocacy group wants a rethink of the Mobile Black Spot Program
Now, they joke the only person to be able to use it is the man who installed it.
Tech giants revolt over News Bargaining Code, a proposed law before parliament
Facebook and Google both threatened withdrawing major services in Australia
Threats include no news in the News Feed for Australian Facebook users
Google says it could stop making Google Search available in Australia
US Government pressured Australia to scrap the law, suggested voluntary code
Condemnation of tech giant threats from politicians, industry and other experts
Google search withdrawal would be significant impact on small business
Facebook News Feed disruption very concerning but people would adjust
Google, Facebook withdrawals would mean opportunities for competitors
Savvy tech users unfazed, would use VPN networks to reach Google, Facebook
The NBN rollout is complete but one couple looking to upgrade found better internet via a garden shed
Posted
FriFriday 15
updated
FriFriday 15
This green shed helps deliver internet to one household in the Hunter region.
(
Share
Print text only
Cancel
Ben and Kristen Nicol made their dream move from the city to the Hunter region of New South Wales last year.
Key points:
The Government declared the NBN rollout was formally complete late in 2020
The NBN is a patchwork of ever-upgrading technologies and more alternatives appear each year, making it difficult to know what s best
One couple in NSW wanted to upgrade from NBN satellite so used a shed on a hill to redirect mobile broadband to their home
This is a joint media release from the NFF and Regional TechHub.
From today, regional Australians can access free, independent advice on the best internet and mobile phone connection for their work, study and lifestyle needs.
The Regional Tech Hub, which builds on the valuable services delivered by volunteer organisation Better Internet for Rural, Regional and Remote Australia (BIRRR) was launched today in Canberra.
Regional Tech Hub Manager Jenna Widdison said the Hub was the one-stop-shop to troubleshoot questions like ‘what type of internet connection is available to me,’; ‘how much data do I need?’ and ‘does that tree or shed, impact my connection quality?’