After lobbying hard on this issue, I welcome a new program that will give consumers greater information on the speeds and experience they can expect from fixed-line broadband services delivered over the National Broadband Network (NBN).

The Broadband Performance Monitoring and Reporting (BPMR) program, to be implemented by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), will source performance data from around 4,000 volunteer customers of retail service providers across the country.

The program will provide consumers with clear and independent information of the actual speeds being delivered by various retailers.

Complaints to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman about internet data speeds increased 48 per cent in the last year, making it the single largest issue for consumer complaints during the year.

In one recent case involving a constituent in Grovedale, Geelong, Telstra was forced to refund monies after promising to deliver up to 100 megs of download speed when, in fact, it could only deliver between 30 and 40 megs. This misleading conduct must not be tolerated.

By collecting and publishing information about the speed and reliability of broadband packages, consumers will be better placed to choose a plan that is right for them. It will also encourage retailers to compete on the quality of their broadband plans.

Performance information will be made publicly available for the benefit of all Australians.

The ACCC will shortly be recruiting householders using the NBN fixed-line network to take part in the program.

Further information about how to sign up will be available on the ACCC website shortly.

7 April 2017