Federal MP for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, has urged Blue Mountains residents frustrated by their NBN service speed to volunteer to help with a national testing trial.
Last week, the ACCC called for 4,000 volunteers to test broadband speeds nationwide. Volunteers need to sign up by July 31.
"Many of the complaints I receive about NBN, once it is connected, relate to the difference between the speeds the service provider has promised, and which people are paying for, and the actual speed they get," Ms Templeman said.
"In February 2016, the ACCC asked the government to establish a broadband speed monitoring trial. The government sat on the proposal for 12 months but was forced to support the program in the 2017 budget after a surge in complaints about NBN speeds."
Ms Templeman also welcomed the release by Productivity Commission of a report into the Universal Service Obligation (USO).
"Currently, Telstra has an obligation to make sure everyone has access to a landline and pay phone services, but it ignores internet and mobile services," Ms Templeman said.
The report highlights the importance of baseline broadband and voice services being considered as part of the USO, as the NBN rolls out.
The Commission has recommended the Government wind up the current USO obligation by 2020, with a need to discuss the appropriate consumer safeguards and service standards for an NBN world.
"The report talks about a 'lack of policy coherence', and it's vital for economies in areas like ours and in times of natural disaster that broadband and voice telecommunications services interact effectively" Ms Templeman said.
"Labor will examine the final report carefully, and consult with industry, regional communities, stakeholders and consumer groups on the recommendations contained in the final report."
People can sign up for the ACCC trial at: https://consultation.accc.gov.au/regulated-infrastructure/broadband-performance-and-monitoring-program/consultation/intro/
