The nbn® have recently implemented 147 network fixes and optimisations following feedback from those already on the service, in an attempt to improve user experience and reach stability.
Many users are beginning to draw attention to the “data drought” perceived by many in rural and regional areas of Australia, many with no other access to internet or phone services.
Activ8me recently reevaluated their plans and peak data use under the Fair Use Policy (FUP) set out by the nbn®, and offered both new and existing customers up to 15GB extra data at no cost.
During the recent senate estimates, nbn® co’s Chief customer officer stated that the company is “quietly confident” they will be able to reassess the peak hour usage limit on the satellite service in the future, and potentially raise it.
According to ITNews:
“What we’re reviewing is whether with that capacity and the current performance we can release more and upgrade the fair use policy.”
Currently, ISPs like Activ8me are forced to limit customers to an average of 30GB of downloads every four weeks, averaged out over their customer base. The current average monthly usage sits at roughly 23GB a month across all ISP’s, but those in regional areas have adopted measures to protect their data.
Streaming is a luxury for many connected on satellite, with Netflix and other streaming services capable of using large amounts of data with their HD images. Many also use scheduled downloaders to make the most of their bonus off peak data between 1am-7am local time.
“Without the second satellite, the fair use policy would have been a 20GB average cap […] We’re now reviewing the 30GB to see if we can make it broader.”
-Chief customer officer John Simon
Many in regional and rural Australia are hoping this speech at the senate estimate meeting is a signifier of change to come, as are those working hard at supplying nbn® connection to those areas.
“As Australia’s largest satellite nbn® provider, Activ8me are hopeful that in the near future nbn co will raise their FUP, allowing us to help begin closing the gap between regional and urban Australian data allowances.”
-Activ8me CEO, Tony Bundrock