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June 11th, 2014 
Awake Goy Telstra tells family internet fault would take 14 years to be seen to
- 1 month ago April 19, 2014
Kathryn Harbinson was sent a letter by Telstra advising a technician could come to fix her broadband in 2028. Picture: Jake Nowakowski Source: News Limited
A FAMILY battling to get broadband connected at their new home were told a Telstra technician could come in 2028.
In an epic tradie delay blunder, the major carrier sent a letter with a booking date 14 years away.
Exasperated Kathryn Harbinson said the December 27, 2028, appointment followed repeated unsuccessful attempts to get fixed ADSL at her Chirnside Park home.
Mrs Harbinson said several providers had rejected requests, blaming a shortage of ports at the local exchange.
“None were able to help. It’s a lottery,” she said.
Apologetic Telstra spokesman Steve Carey said the 2028 date was “an unfortunate typographical error”.
“The reason ADSL is not an option is because the distance of the residence is too far from the exchange,” Mr Carey said.
A day after the Sunday Herald Sun made inquiries, a technician appeared at the property to investigate.
Despite initial advice that cable broadband was also unavailable, Mr Carey said it was now connected.
About 170,000 Victorian premises have no ADSL access, Federal Government data shows. Reasons include distances from exchanges, technological barriers and unavailable ports.
Mrs Harbinson discovered the hitches after moving to her house on a subdivided block in December.
“We have been trying to use a USB broadband service, which is very slow not to mention the expense, and plagued with dropouts,” she said.
“As the telecommunications manager for a major Melbourne hospital, where I am on call two weeks of every four, no internet means I need to get in the car and drive into the hospital to fix a fault that could be done within minutes remotely with a half decent internet connection.”
Fellow frustrated householder Marty Ryan said he had been blocked from ADSL for the 12 years he has lived at Strathfieldsaye on the outskirts of Bendigo.
He resorted to more expensive satellite and wireless internet.
“We have been holding out for the NBN, but there is no set date,” Mr Ryan said.
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