Internet Australia, the NFP peak body representing Internet users, has raised serious concerns at comments made overnight by executives from nbn. 

In a document widely distributed to media outlets network engineering chief Peter Ryan and corporate affairs executive Karina Keisler attempt to justify nbn's decision to continue using technology that IA has described as "inferior" and unable to provide for the long term needs of Australian broadband consumers.

The pair's explanation regarding the future use of the technology deployed in the fibre-tothe-node (FTTN) rollout was described by IA's executive chair, Anne Hurley, as "seriously at odds with the advice from our internationally recognised technical experts".

Following increased complaints from nbn customers about slow speeds IA has called for nbn to abandon the use of FTTN, which it says will need to be replaced in 10 to 15 years or sooner in any case.

"Despite what Mr Ryan and Ms Keisler claim, IA maintains there is no upgrade path for FTTN. We have consistently argued that a return to a full-fibre NBN would be the best option, but failing this we support the use of "middle ground" technology called fibre-to-thepremises, known as FTTdp".

In its case, nbn prefers to ignore local spelling convention by using the term fibre-to-the curb. 

"It's not a case of upgrading FTTN, it amounts to a massive rebuild. The 'node' (the large cabinets being placed on footpaths across the country) and the electronics inside the cabinet will become redundant. The money and time spent installing an electrical power feed will also be wasted".

The nbn document states that it will use a new technology standard called Gfast. However, IA has repeatedly pointed out that Gfast is only suitable over short distances of copper wire, as is the case with FTTdp.

"The latest advice from our engineers and from overseas is that GFast will not work over Internet Society of Australia Limited | ACN 076 406 801 | www.internet.org.au| PO Box 1705, North Sydney NSW 2059 the long cable runs from the FTTN nodes to people's home and businesses".

nbn argues in favour of the continued use of FTTN on the basis that to change technology will increase delays in the completion of the project. IA maintains that efficient planning and fast-tracking construction would minimise any delays. It also argues that it makes no sense to condemn 50 percent of Australians to inferior technology while the other half enjoys ever increasing broadband speeds.

"Surely just doing FTTDP first up would be more cost effective. Doing it in two stages means a huge waste of public money".

Appearing at a Senate Estimates hearing last week nbn CEO Bill Morrow conceded that the company had not budgeted for upgrading premises with FTTN, stating the those customers wanting fast broadband would have to pay for their own upgrade.

"Australia needs ubiquitous, fast and affordable broadband. That was the essential purpose of building the NBN in the first place. It is extraordinary to see nbn now saying it will only properly service half the population".

This media release was sourced directly from Internet Australia and written by Anne Hurley, Executive Chair, Internet Australia.