Calls to fix the network

The ongoing debate over broadband access has prompted calls for an overhaul to the current copper cable network.

Australian Telecommunications Group director Dr Walter Green said he knew of cases where customers in built-up suburbs such as Wembley and Malaga were not receiving broadband because they were located on the outer periphery of the relevant exchange on a remote interface module (RIM).

Long-time IT industry player Tony Rosser told WA Business News the broadband network needed a drastic overhaul.

“I live in Trigg and I’m connected to the Hamersley exchange through a connection box, but that’s still not solving the problem,” he said.

“Some houses in the area have broadband while others don’t, it’s a complete mess.”

Both Mr Rosser and Dr Green have proposed a revamp of the current copper cable network and the development of new technology, such as fibre-to-the-home, which could reduce the length of copper wire and enable greater speed of DSL to the premises compared with what is currently available. 

“Fibre-to-the-home [rather than the recently dumped fibre-to-the-node] is the technology that will move us into the technology age,” Mr Rosser said.

“If you don’t roll-out with fibre then you will eventually have to dig up all the copper cable to put fibre in.”

Fibre-to-the-home is regarded as a cheaper solution to implement than methods such as coaxial cable.