Regional Telecommunications Review - Short Online Submissions

Full name:Linda Woodrow

Date received:18 June 2015

Chapter 1: How does demand for telecommunications services inform the Review?

Please comment on how your reliance on telecommunications in regional Australia differs from urban areas.

I teach vocational education and training. In rural areas, it is rarely possible to get the numbers together to make up a face to face class in one place. The only economically viable way to deliver training is online or as blended classes with occasional face to face workshops, with participants often travelling several hours to attend. Urban communities can have face to face colleges, but telecommunications are critical for delivery of vocational education into regional areas. This is true for entry level qualifications, but also for professional development training and maintaining currency of qualifications.

Chapter 2: How are telecommunications services in regional, rural and remote Australia delivered?

Please comment on the delivery of services for example over fixed networks, mobile networks or satellite.

I teach from home. I don't earn enough to afford to rent an office. I live half an hour west of Kyogle, which is not exactly the boondocks. I have built an office in a shed on the hilltop so as to be able to get mobile reception. The cost is a serious consideration for me, and I have to be extremely frugal with my internet use to make it last a month. I am lucky though. None of my neighbours, just a little lower down the hill, can get reliable internet at all. The satellite is overloaded, the local exchange has no ADSL, there are no NBN fixed wireless towers in range (or planned), and they can't get mobile reception. This severely impacts the range of businesses and incomes possible, let alone the personal use.

Chapter 3: How are services being used in regional, rural and remote Australia?

Please comment on how telecommunication services are being used for example, interacting with government, education, health or running a business.

For me, work is the main use of the internet. I also have grown children and grandchildren overseas (son is volunteering paramedic in Vanuatu) and interstate.

Chapter 4: Consumer safeguards

Please provide your views on current consumer safeguards and what should be considered in the future.

NBN fibre and fixed wireless needs to be greatly extended. Satellite should be reserved for the truly remote.

Other comments

Please provide any other comments.

NIL