Here sailorgirl I got the answer and your assumption was wrong.You have to feel sorry for anyone who, in desperation, called up the NBN in the past year or so to get a fibre-optic cable run into their premises.
Until yesterday, according to the outfit's website, you had to fork out $330 (including GST) just to organise a quote on how much it would cost.
Then comes this alarming warning:
"This cost could range from a few thousand dollars, to tens of thousands of dollars per premises — and on the rare occasion, far higher than that.
"In each case, NBN takes steps to ensure the design provides the lowest-cost option aligned with NBN standards."
Now, apparently, that fee will be waived. So long as you sign up for a premium service from a provider such as Telstra, Optus or TPG, you'll be connected for free.
It's a welcome decision from every angle. It will lower the cost to consumers, put the organisation on a sounder footing as a viable business and boost employment in the midst of the greatest economic downturn in a century.
The only question that is likely to remain unanswered is, why has it taken so long.
