The National Broadband Network Co (NBN Co) has denied allegations that it would pass on excessive cable-laying costs at the Kiama Downs First Release site to customers who don't sign up with an internet service provider (ISP) before the trial concludes, saying they will not charge part of the cost of laying cable to homes.

 

"Sadly this report is merely another in a long line of myths and misconceptions about the National Broadband Network. There is no cost to consumers for a standard installation in Kiama Downs, regardless of whether they have elected to have a line connected during the rollout or not." said a spokesperson for the NBN Co.

 

The front-page report in the Sydney Daily Telegraph suggests that failure to sign up would expose residents to part of the cable-laying cost, "estimated to be $900 a day – to gain access to broadband".

 

"Even those residents who have elected not to have a connection, but may wish to do so when commercial services become available, can simply place an order with an appropriate telecommunications provider, and NBN will provide the connection – again at no cost for a standard installation.


"The only bills people on the network should expect to pay will be those generated by the phone companies and internet service providers offering services over the NBN when commercial services are available. But there is no charge to consumers from NBN Co for standard laying cables to their homes."