2008 Broadband Blackspot Survey Perth s Eastern Region Prepared by the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council with advice from the Economic Development Officers Group On behalf of:
Table of Contents BACKGROUND... 3 EASTERN METROPOLITAN REGIONAL COUNCIL (EMRC)...3 BROADBAND BLACKSPOT SURVEY PROJECT...3 SURVEY PROCESS... 4 SURVEY FINDINGS - OVERVIEW... 5 SURVEY FINDINGS - DETAIL... 6 MEMBER COUNCIL AREA...6 REASON FOR INTERNET USE...7 ISSUES RAISED BY RESPONDENTS...9 EXISTING SERVICE...10 DESIRED SERVICE...10 BROADBAND BLACKSPOT CLUSTERS...11 Morley, City of Bayswater... 13 Ascot, City of Belmont... 14 Kewdale, City of Belmont... 15 Sawyers Valley, Shire of Mundaring... 19 Stoneville, Shire of Mundaring... 20 Parkerville, Shire of Mundaring... 21 Bellevue, Shire of Mundaring... 22 Chidlow, Shire of Mundaring... 23 Gidgegannup, City of Swan... 24 Belhus, City of Swan... 25 West Swan, City of Swan... 26 Middle Swan, City of Swan... 27 Bullsbrook, City of Swan... 28 Guildford, City of Swan... 29 RECOMMENDATIONS... 30 MEMBER COUNCIL ROLE...30 EMRC ROLE...30 ATTACHMENTS... 31 ATTACHMENT 1 BLACKSPOT REGISTER FAX BACK FORM... 31 ATTACHMENT 2 BLACKSPOT REGISTER ONLINE SURVEY...ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. ATTACHMENT 3 DISTRIBUTION & PROMOTION STRATEGY... 34 ATTACHMENT 4 MEDIA RELEASE: 24 JANUARY 2008... 36 ATTACHMENT 5 MEDIA RELEASE: 29 FEBRUARY 2008... 37 ATTACHMENT 6 MEDIA RELEASE: 19 MARCH 2008... 38 ATTACHMENT 7 MEDIA COVERAGE SAMPLES... 39 ATTACHMENT 8 TYPES OF BROADBAND USE... 41 ATTACHMENT 9 TERMS & EXAMPLES OF BROADBAND ISSUES... 42 ATTACHMENT 10 SURVEY RAW DATA... 45 EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 2
BACKGROUND Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC) The Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC) is a progressive and innovative regional local government working on behalf of six member Councils - Town of Bassendean, City of Bayswater, City of Belmont, Shire of Kalamunda, Shire of Mundaring and City of Swan. Covering 2,100 square kilometres, (or about one-third of the Perth metropolitan area), Perth s Eastern Region stretches from the edge of the Perth CBD, along the Swan River through urban residential, commercial and industrial areas, to the scenic Swan Valley and into the forest of prime agricultural land of the Darling Ranges EMRC and the member Councils service approximately 300,000 residents. EMRC s role in Regional Development is to facilitate strategies and projects with our member Councils, government and industry stakeholders to achieve sustainable economic and employment growth. Broadband Blackspot Survey Project Member Council Economic Development Officers (EDO) identified that difficulties accessing affordable high speed broadband is a barrier to growth of existing businesses and to the attraction of new business to Perth s Eastern Region. Anecdotal evidence collected by the EDOs indicated issues ranged from pair gaining to accessing towers. As this evidence was insufficient to progress solutions with providers it was decided to undertake a regional survey of residents and business to quantify the nature and extent of the issues. EMRC coordinated the survey on behalf of member Councils. It is intended that the information collected will assist the EMRC and Councils to: facilitate provision through registered Internet Service Providers, identify serviceable Broadband Blackspot* areas, and lobby governments for improved infrastructure. * A Broadband Blackspot can be defined as: Where any Australian is unable to access a metro-comparable broadband service at their principal place of residence or small business. Where a metro-comparable broadband service is a minimum 512/128kbps data speed, 1GB per month data usage and a total cost, over three years, including installation and connection fees of $2,500 GST inclusive. (Federal Government Australian Broadband Guarantee) EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 3
SURVEY PROCESS The EMRC encouraged businesses and residents to complete a simple survey to register their home or business with the aim to identify remaining Broadband Blackspots. This process was developed based on the successful approach employed by the Cities of Joondalup and Swan. Key steps in the process include: 1. Survey development online and fax back The survey was made available online at www.emrc.org.au or in hard copy through Council offices and libraries. Attachment 1 - Broadband Blackspot Register Fax Back Form Attachment 2 - Broadband Blackspot Register Online Form 2. Promotion of survey to business and residents. Media releases were sent to a range of Council publications, business and industry publications and Community Newspapers. Attachment 3 - Distribution & Promotion Strategy Attachment 4 - Media Release: 24 January 2008 Attachment 5 - Media Release: 29 February 2008 Attachment 6 - Media Release: 19 March 2008 For examples of coverage obtained: Attachment 7 - Media Coverage 3. es and Residents completed the survey over the period 1 st February to 31 st March 2008. To ensure the best result, participants were also encouraged to register on the Australian Broadband Guarantee which is a Federal Government initiative, (expected to continue until June 2008) that aims to provide an affordable broadband service to all households and small businesses. This program allows businesses and residents to check the availability of suitable broadband services in their area by registering their details on the Broadband Service Locator found at: http://bcoms.dcita.gov.au/bsl//welcome.do 4. Survey responses collated and analysed EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 4
SURVEY FINDINGS - OVERVIEW 130 survey responses were received from the 1 st February to the 31 st March 2008. Survey responses were received from all member Councils except the Town of Bassendean. Responses were predominantly from households. Respondents expressed a strong desire for access to ADSL broadband. 14 Broadband Blackspot Clusters were identified. 75% of surveys had additional comments of which 70 comments could be used to identify existing service, desired service and issues. Main issues identified from these comments include: o Unsatisfied with existing Service (Speed, Cost or Reliability), o Pair gain o Distance from the exchange EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 5
SURVEY FINDINGS - DETAIL Member Council Area In order to identify areas which are experiencing problems with suitable Broadband access, the survey required a physical address. Responses were then broken down into Member Council Areas. The Survey requested; Personal Details: Name: Street Address: Suburb: Postcode: Results: Table 1: Responses x Member Council Area Member Council Area Number of Responses Percentage % Swan 60 46.2% Belmont 30 23.1% Mundaring 28 21.5% Bayswater 9 6.9% Kalamunda 3 2.3% Bassendean 0 0.0% Total 130 100.00% Graph 1: Percentage of Responses x Member Council Area Percentage of Responses x Member Council Area 6.9% 2.3% 0.0% 21.5% 46.2% Swan Belmont Mundaring Bayswater Kalamunda Bassendean 23.1% Data Shows: Responses were mainly received from residents and businesses within the City of Swan, City of Belmont and Shire of Mundaring. (Total of 90.8%) No responses were received from the Town of Bassendean. Please note that the amount of publicity and overall awareness of the Survey in specific Member Council areas will have influenced this result. EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 6
Reason for Internet Use In order to identify the reason for internet use, the survey asked: Which of the following best describes you? Household Small (Less then 20 Full Time Equivalent staff) Not for profit Agency Not for Profit Agency offering Public internet access Other: Please specify: Results: Table 2: Responses x Reason for Internet Use x Percentage User Number of Responses Percentage (%) Household 97 74.6% Small 25 19.2% Household & Small 5 3.8% Other 3 2.3% Total 130 100.0% Please note the following categories were use in the data interpretation: Households & Small : several respondents indicated internet use for both household and small business use and were created as a separate category. Other: includes Not-for-Profit Agency, Not-for-Profit Agency offering Public Internet Access and Other. City of Swan 1 x Not for Profit Agency 1 x Large Shire of Mundaring 1 x Small /Not for Profit Agency As the five Household & Small respondents can be used to reflect both Household and Small, overall percentage for a particular use is shown below; Graph 2: Percentage of Survey Responses x Reason for Internet Use Percentage 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Reason for Internet Use Household/Small /Other 78.5% 23.1% 2.3% Household Small Other Reason for Internet Use Household Small Other EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 7
The following chart and graph shows the number of survey responses by member Council by reason for internet use. Table 3: Survey Responses x Member Council Area x Reason for Internet Use Member Council Area Household Small Household & Small Other Total Swan 41 14 3 2 60 Belmont 27 2 1 0 30 Mundaring 23 4 0 1 28 Bayswater 4 4 1 0 9 Kalamunda 2 1 0 0 3 Bassendean 0 0 0 0 0 Total 97 25 5 3 130 Graph 3: Survey Responses x Member Council Area x Reason for Internet Use Number of Responses x Member Council Area (MCA) x Reason for Internet Use Number of Responses 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 41 14 3 27 23 4 4 4 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 Swan Belmont Mundaring Bayswater Kalamunda Household Small Household & Small Other MCA / Internet Use Data Shows: All Councils received significantly larger numbers of registrations from Households then Small, apart from the City of Bayswater EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 8
Issues Raised By Respondents Respondents were asked to provide any general comments on their Broadband needs. 74.6% of respondents provided additional or explanatory information of which 70 comments could be used to identify issues, existing or desired broadband service. For additional information and examples of responses see Attachment 9 Terms and Types of Broadband Issues Table 4: Responses x Issue Identified x Percentage Issue identified Issue Identified % of Comments Pair gain 10 11.2% Distance from exchange 10 11.2% Port availability 4 4.5% General wiring issue 3 3.4% Unhappy with existing service - Unstated 5 5.6% Unhappy with existing service - Cost 13 14.6% Unhappy with existing service - Reliability 8 9.0% Unhappy with existing service - Speed 16 18.0% Desired service unavailable 10 11.2% Dial up only option 3 3.4% Telstra 2 2.2% Other 5 5.6% Total Comments 89 100.0% Data Shows: Main issues identified: 1. Unhappy with existing Service Speed 18.0% 2. Unhappy with existing Service Cost 14.6% 3. Desired Service unavailable 11.2% 4. Pair gain 11.2% 5. Distance fro the Exchange 11.2% 6. Unhappy with existing Service Reliability 9.0% For additional information and examples of responses see Attachment 9 Terms and Types of Broadband Issues EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 9
Existing Service Table 5: Number and percentage of comments that identify availability of an existing Broadband service Type of Service Existing Service Percentage (%) Wireless 23 54.8% Dial up 7 16.7% ADSL 4 9.5% Satellite 6 14.3% ISDN 2 4.8% Total 42 100.0% Data Shows: Over half of the comments were from respondents with an existing Wireless Broadband service Only seven (16.7%) comments stated that they were on dial up Desired Service Table 6: Number and percentage of comments that identify a desired Broadband service Type of Service Desired Service Desired Service Wireless 4 7.8% Dial up 0 0.0% ADSL 47 92.2% Satellite 0 0.0% ISDN 0 0.0% Total 51 100.0% Data Shows: The vast majority of comments (92.2%) indicated a desire for ADSL. Four respondents (7.8%) stated they would be satisfied with access to suitable Wireless broadband. For explanation of services see Attachment 8 Types of Broadband Access EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 10
Broadband Blackspot Clusters A cluster refers to a group of the same or similar elements gathered or occurring closely together; a bunch. For the purpose of this report, a Broadband Blackspot Cluster refers to a group (3 or more) survey respondents who are experiencing issues accessing suitable Broadband. Clusters are not limited to individual Council areas and can span several suburbs. Any additional information regarding internet use or issues given in the comments section of the survey has been reviewed and included in the Clusters analysis. The following clusters were identified: Table 7: Clusters identified x responses x source Cluster Title Morley Member Council Area Swan, Bayswater Number of Suburbs Responses Morley, Beechboro, Malaga. Kiara. Lockridge. West Swan 14 Ascot Belmont, Bayswater Ascot, Bayswater, Redcliffe 5 Kewdale Belmont Kewdale, Cloverdale, Rivervale 26 Sawyers Valley Mundaring Sawyers Valley, Mt Helena 4 Stoneville Mundaring Stoneville 10 Parkerville Mundaring Parkerville, Hovea 3 Bellevue Mundaring, Swan Bellevue 6 Chidlow Mundaring, Swan Chidlow, Gidgegannup 7 Gidgegannup Swan Gidgegannup 4 Belhus Swan Belhus, Brigadoon, Ellenbrook, Millendon 5 West Swan Swan West Swan 8 Middle Swan Swan Middle Swan, Stratton, Herne Hill 7 Bullsbrook Swan Bullsbrook 13 Guildford Swan Guildford, South Guildford, Hazelmere 6 Total: 118 EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 11
A series of codes have been used to present the information collected through the Surveys and presented on Cluster Maps. Reason for Internet Use Household Small Household & Small Other Existing and Desired Service The following information was extracted from the additional comments section of the Survey and was used to analyse clusters. Existing Service if stated A - Wireless B - Dial up C - ADSL D - Satellite E - ISDN Desired Service if stated a - Wireless b - Dial up c - ADSL d - Satellite For explanation of services see Attachment 8 Types of Broadband Access Issues Raised by Repondents The following information was extracted from the additional comments section of the survey and was used to analyse clusters. Issues if stated 1 - Pair gain 2 - Distance from exchange 3 - Port availability 4 - General wiring issue (eg. sub exchange, internal house wiring etc) 5 - Unhappy with existing service Unstated (ie did not specify issue with existing option) 6 - Unhappy with existing service - Cost 7 - Unhappy with existing service - Reliability 8 - Unhappy with existing service - Speed 9 - Desired service unavailable 10 - Dial up only option 11 - Telstra 12 - Other For additional information and examples of responses see Attachment 9 Terms and Types of Broadband Issues Example showing how to interpret maps: This respondent is a household, currently has Broadband Access but wants ADSL as they are unhappy with the existing service due to cost and speed. EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 12
Morley, City of Bayswater Map 1: Dispersal of Responses in the suburbs of Morley; City of Bayswater, Lockridge, Kiara, Beechboro and West Swan; City of Swan Table 8: Morley Cluster; Responses by Suburb x Reason for Internet x Member Council Area Household & Small Member Council Area Suburb Total Household Small Other Morley 6 4 2 Bayswater Beechboro 3 3 Swan Malaga 2 1 1 Swan Kiara 1 1 Swan Lockridge 1 1 Swan West Swan 1 1 Swan Total 14 10 3 0 1 Issues Identified: Two respondents have issues with distance from the exchange Four respondents have access to Wireless Broadband but unhappy with existing service (speed, reliability) EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 13
Ascot, City of Belmont Map 2: Dispersal of Responses in the suburbs of Ascot and Redcliffe; City of Belmont, and City of Bayswater Table 9: Ascot Cluster; Responses by Suburb x Reason for Internet Use x Member Council Area Household & Small Member Council Area Suburb Total Household Small Other Ascot 2 1 1 Belmont Bayswater 2 1 1 Bayswater Redcliffe 1 1 Belmont Total 5 2 2 1 0 Issues Identified: Limited information available from comments Pair gain problem for one household but they have access to Wireless Broadband. EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 14
Kewdale, City of Belmont Map 3.1: Dispersal of Responses in the suburbs of Kewdale, Cloverdale and Rivervale; City of Belmont Table 10: Kewdale Cluster; Responses by Suburb x Reason for Internet Use x Member Council Area Household & Small Member Council Area Suburb Total Household Small Other Kewdale 14 14 Belmont Cloverdale 10 8 1 1 Belmont Rivervale 2 2 Belmont Total 26 24 1 1 0 EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 15
Map 3.2: Sub Map - Dispersal of Responses in the suburbs of Kewdale and Cloverdale; City of Belmont Table 11: Kewdale/Cloverdale Cluster; Responses by Suburb x Reason for Internet Use x Member Council Area Household & Small Member Council Area Suburb Total Household Small Other Kewdale 13 13 Belmont Cloverdale 5 4 1 Belmont Total 18 19 0 1 0 Issues Identified: Wireless is available in some areas but clients are unhappy with the existing service (Cost and Speed) Distance from the exchange is issue for one respondent EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 16
Map 3.3: Sub Map - Dispersal of Responses in the suburb of Cloverdale; City of Belmont Table 12: Cloverdale Cluster; Responses by Suburb x Reason for Internet Use x Member Council Area Household & Small Member Council Area Suburb Total Household Small Other Cloverdale 5 4 1 Belmont Total 5 4 1 0 0 Issues Identified: Limited information available from comments Desire for ADSL Pair gain problem exists for one residence EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 17
Map 3.4: Sub Map - Dispersal of Responses in the suburbs of Rivervale and Kewdale; City of Belmont Table 13: Rivervale Cluster; Responses by Suburb x Reason for Internet Use x Member Council Area Household & Small Member Council Area Suburb Total Household Small Other Rivervale 2 2 Belmont Kewdale 1 1 Belmont Total 3 3 0 0 0 Issues Identified: Limited information available from comments EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 18
Sawyers Valley, Shire of Mundaring Map 4: Dispersal of Responses in the suburbs of Sawyers Valley; Shire of Mundaring Table 14: Sawyers Valley Cluster; Responses by Suburb x Reason for Internet Use x Member Council Area Small Household & Small Member Council Area Suburb Total Household Other Sawyers Valley 3 2 1 Mundaring Mt Helena 1 1 Mundaring Total 4 2 1 0 1 Issues Identified: Wireless available in some areas but respondent is unhappy with the existing service (Cost) Pair gain problem exists for one resident EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 19
Stoneville, Shire of Mundaring Map 5: Dispersal of Responses in the suburb of Stoneville; Shire of Mundaring Table 15: Stoneville Cluster; Responses by Suburb x Reason for Internet Use x Member Council Area Suburb Total Household Small Household & Small Other Member Council Area Stoneville 10 9 1 Mundaring Total 10 9 1 0 0 Issues Identified: Limited information available from comments Appears that there is no Wireless service available (Due to presence of Satellite) Satellite is available but respondent is unhappy with the existing service Majority of respondents are households EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 20
Parkerville, Shire of Mundaring Map 6: Dispersal of Responses in the suburbs of Parkerville and Hovea; Shire of Mundaring Table 16: Parkerville Cluster; Responses by Suburb x Reason for Internet Use x Member Council Area Household & Small Member Council Area Suburb Total Household Small Other Parkerville 2 2 Mundaring Hovea 1 1 Mundaring Total 3 3 0 0 0 Issues Identified: Limited information available from comments Appears that one respondent has ADSL but is unhappy with the speed. EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 21
Bellevue, Shire of Mundaring Map 7: Dispersal of Responses in the suburb of Bellevue; Shire of Mundaring Table 17: Bellevue Cluster; Responses by Suburb x Reason for Internet Use x Member Council Area Household & Small Member Council Area Suburb Total Household Small Other Bellevue 5 4 1 Mundaring Bellevue 1 1 Swan Total 6 5 1 0 0 Issues Identified: Wireless is available in some areas but respondents are unhappy with the existing service (Cost and Speed) EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 22
Chidlow, Shire of Mundaring Map 8: Dispersal of Responses in the suburb of Chidlow; Shire of Mundaring Table 18: Chidlow Cluster; Responses by Suburb x Reason for Internet Use x Member Council Area Household & Small Member Council Area Suburb Total Household Small Other Chidlow 4 4 Mundaring Gidgegannup 3 2 1 Swan Total 6 2 0 0 1 Issues Identified: Appears that Wireless and Satellite are available in some areas but respondents are unhappy with the existing service (Cost, Reliability, Speed) One respondent has stated that Dialup is the only option available (ie wireless not available) EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 23
Gidgegannup, City of Swan Map 9: Dispersal of Responses in the suburb of Gidgegannup; City of Swan Table 19: Gidgegannup Cluster; Responses by Suburb x Reason for Internet Use x Member Council Area Household & Small Member Council Area Suburb Total Household Small Other Gidgegannup 4 3 1 Swan Total 4 3 1 0 0 Issues Identified: Appears that there is no Wireless service available (Due to presence of Satellite and the statement that dial up is only available option) Conflicting information on barriers to suitable Broadband (ie port availability and pair gain.) EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 24
Belhus, City of Swan Map 10: Dispersal of Responses in the suburbs of Belhus, Brigadoon, Ellenbrook and Millendon; City of Swan Table 20: Belhus Cluster; Responses by Suburb x Reason for Internet Use x Member Council Area Suburb Total Household Small Household & Small Other Member Council Area Belhus 2 1 1 Swan Brigadoon 1 1 Swan Ellenbrook 1 1 Swan Millendon 1 1 Swan Total 5 4 1 0 0 Issues Identified: Limited information available from comments One respondent has commented that while wireless is available, they are unhappy with the existing service (Speed) EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 25
West Swan, City of Swan Map 11: Dispersal of Responses in the suburb of West Swan; City of Swan Table 21: West Swan Cluster: Responses by Suburb x Reason for Internet Use x Member Council Area Household & Small Member Council Area Suburb Total Household Small Other West Swan 8 4 3 1 Swan Total 8 4 3 1 0 Issues Identified: Wireless is available in some areas but clients are unhappy with the existing service (Cost, and Reliability) Satellite service being utilised but also unhappy with the existing service (Cost and Reliability) EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 26
Middle Swan, City of Swan Map 12: Dispersal of Responses in the suburb of Middle Swan; City of Swan Table 22: Middle Swan Cluster; Responses by Suburb x Reason for Internet Use x Member Council Area Household & Small Member Council Area Suburb Total Household Small Other Middle Swan 4 2 2 Swan Stratton 2 2 Swan Herne Hill 1 1 Swan Total 7 5 2 0 0 Issues Identified: Limited information available from comments Wireless in some areas but respondent is unhappy with the existing service (Reliability, Cost and Speed) ADSL is unavailable due to distance from the exchange and wiring issues. ADSL is available but respondent is unhappy with the existing service (Speed) and has issues due to distance from the exchange. EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 27
Bullsbrook, City of Swan Map 13: Dispersal of Responses in the suburb of Bullsbrook; City of Swan Table 23: Bullsbrook Cluster; Responses by Suburb x Reason for Internet Use x Member Council Area Household & Small Member Council Area Suburb Total Household Small Other Bullsbrook 13 10 2 1 Swan Total 13 10 2 1 0 Issues Identified: Conflicting messages on wireless availability Pair gain, distance from exchange and port availability are all mentioned as barriers to a suitable service EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 28
Guildford, City of Swan Map 14: Dispersal of Responses in the suburbs of Guildford, South Guildford and Hazelmere; City of Swan Table 24: Guildford Cluster; Responses by Suburb x Reason for Internet Use x Member Council Area Suburb Total Household Small Household & Small Other Member Council Area Guildford 2 2 Swan South Guildford 1 1 Swan Hazelmere 2 2 Swan Total 5 5 0 0 0 Issues Identified: Limited information available from comments Port availability an issue for one respondent Wireless is available but respondent is unhappy with existing service (Cost) EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 29
RECOMMENDATIONS Member Council Role 1. Facilitate solutions by presenting information to registered service providers. 2. Assist registered providers to provide solutions e.g. access to towers 3. Identify barriers to solutions to inform regional lobbying. EMRC Role Inform local politicians of the survey outcomes and action being taken. Include barriers to solutions within lobbying plan EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 30
ATTACHMENTS ATTACHMENT 1 BLACKSPOT REGISTER FAX BACK FORM EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 31
EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 32
ATTACHMENT 2 BLACKSPOT REGISTER ONLINE SURVEY Have you previously applied for a broadband service and found it was unavailable to your business or residence? - If you answer NO you do not need to register Yes What was the estimated date you applied? (dd/mm/yyyy) Full Name Address * * Suburb Please Select * Postcode * Telephone Number of the address you are registering (necessary for ADSL broadband availability assessment) * Which of the following best describes you? Household If Other Please specify: Name - if applicable Email address * Please use the following area to provide any general comments on your Broadband needs I agree for my details to be collated and passed onto Broadband Internet Service Providers, EMRC and member Councils, and other levels of government for the purposes of attracting Broadband services to Perth s Eastern Region. Have you registered on the Australian Broadband Guarantee Broadband Service Locator? Yes Yes * If no - please do so by clicking here (Open in new window). Submit * Required field EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 33
ATTACHMENT 3 DISTRIBUTION & PROMOTION STRATEGY PUBLICATION Bassendean Briefings Belmont Bulletin Belmont Talk Bayswater Bulletin Bayswater Bulletin Shire Focus in Hills Gazette City of Swan Newsletter Malaga Website Corporate Communications Team INDUSTRY & BUSINESS GROUP Malaga & Districts Association Swan Chamber of Commerce Swan CCI - E newsletter Swan CCI - News & Views Gidgegram Gidgegannup.info Ellenbrook Windows Kalamunda & Districts Chamber of Commerce and Industry Small Centre Belmont / Belmont Enterprise Centre Small Centre East Metro Belmont Advisory Group Mundaring Advisory Group Eastern Hills Association Mundaring Community Financial Services Ltd NEMCC North East Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Swan Valley Progress Ass CoSBA Combined Small Alliance (WA) LIBRARIES Bassendean Memorial Library Bayswater Public Library Gerry Leeuwangh (Morley) Public Library Residents Residents es es Residents Residents Residents es es es AREAS COVERED es Gidgegannup Agricultural Society Belmont Swan, Mundaring, Kalamunda, Bayswater and Bassendean Local Authority regions. Mundaring Maylands Public Library Ruth Faulkner Public Library High Wycombe Library Forrestfield Library Kalamunda Library Lesmurdie Library Katharine Susannah Pritchard Library Albert Facey Library (Mundaring Library) EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 34
Altone Park Public Library Ballajura Public Library Bullsbrook Community Library Ellenbrook Community Library Guildford Public Library Midland Public Library VISITOR CENTRES Mundaring Visitor Centre Swan Valley & Eastern Region Visitor Centre Mundaring Tourism Association NEWSPAPERS Advocate, The Eastern Suburbs Reporter Echo, The Hills Gazette Swan Valley, Ellenbrook, Bindoon, Gingin, Lancelin, Ledge Point, Bullsbrook, Chittering Valley, Muchea, Seabird, Guilderton and Woodridge Ashfield, Balga, Ballajura, Bassendean, Bayswater, Bedford, Beechboro, Dianella, Eden Hill, Embleton, Kiara, Lockridge, Malaga, Mirrabooka, Morley, Nollamara, Noranda, Westminster, Yokine (north). City of Swan, Shire of Mundaring and Shire of Kalamunda. Shires of Kalamunda, Mundaring, Swan and parts of the Shires of Northam, Toodyay and York. Midland Kalamunda Reporter Southern Gazette Guardian Express Swan/ Mundaring/ Kalamunda Magazine Other Intranet News article EMRC Corporate Newsletter EMRC Website Bellevue, Bickley, Bullsbrook, Ellenbrook, Forrestfield, Gooseberry Hill, Guildford, Hazelmere, Helena Valley, Henley Brook, Herne Hill, High Wycombe, Jane Brook, Kalamunda, Koongamia, Lesmurdie, Maida Vale, Middle Swan, Midland, Midvale, South Guildford, Ascot, Belmont, Burswood, Carlisle, Cloverdale, Como, East Victoria Park, Karawara, Kensington, Kewdale, Lathlain, Manning, Redcliffe, Rivervale, Salter Point, St James, South Perth, Victoria Park and Waterford. Coolbinia, East Perth, Inglewood, Leederville, Maylands, Menora, Mt Hawthorn, Mt Lawley, Highgate, North Perth, Northbridge, Perth (not CBD), Yokine south. Shires of Mundaring, Swan, And Morley EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 35
ATTACHMENT 4 MEDIA RELEASE: 24 JANUARY 2008 MEDIA RELEASE 24 January 2008 BROADBAND BLACKSPOT AUDIT IN PERTH S EASTERN REGION During February 2008 businesses and residents of Perth s Eastern Region will be invited to participate in a survey which will assist in the identification of remaining Broadband Blackspots. The absence of high speed broadband is holding back growth of existing businesses and is a problem in attracting new business to Perth s Eastern Region. The survey will be coordinated by the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC) on behalf of its member Councils - Town of Bassendean, City of Bayswater, City of Belmont, Shire of Kalamunda, Shire of Mundaring and the City of Swan. es and residents will be invited to complete a simple survey to register their home or business as a Broadband Blackspot. This survey will be available online at www.emrc.org.au or in hard copy through Council offices and libraries. It is intended that the information collected will assist the EMRC and Councils to identify serviceable Broadband Blackspot areas and facilitate required infrastructure upgrades by service providers, where possible. For more information contact Georgia Armstrong, Regional Development Coordinator, at EMRC on Tel: 9424 2241 or Email: georgia.armstrong@emrc.org.au. -Ends- Media Contacts: Georgia Armstrong, Regional Development Coordinator Direct: (08) 9424 2241, Email: georgia.armstrong@emrc.org.au EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 36
ATTACHMENT 5 MEDIA RELEASE: 29 FEBRUARY 2008 MEDIA RELEASE 29 February 2008 EXTENSION OF BROADBAND BLACKSPOT AUDIT IN PERTH S EASTERN REGION FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH Responses to the Broadband Blackspot Survey of residences and businesses in Perth s Eastern Region received by the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC) during February point to several Broadband Blackspot clusters. To strengthen our case in facilitating the required infrastructure upgrades by service providers EMRC is extending the deadline for submission of surveys to the 31st of March advised Mr Watters, EMRC Chief Executive Officer. The Broadband Blackspot survey is being coordinated by the EMRC on behalf of its member Councils - Town of Bassendean, City of Bayswater, City of Belmont, Shire of Kalamunda, Shire of Mundaring and the City of Swan. The Broadband Blackspot survey is being undertaken in response to feedback the EMRC has received that the absence of high speed broadband is holding back growth of existing businesses and is a problem in attracting new business to Perth s Eastern Region. The EMRC is particularly keen to hear from businesses as well as residents of Perth s Eastern Region who are currently unable to access broadband services. The simple one page survey is available online at www.emrc.org.au or in hard copy through Council offices and libraries. For more information contact Georgia Armstrong, Regional Development Coordinator, at EMRC on Tel: 9424 2241 or Email: georgia.armstrong@emrc.org.au. -Ends- Media Contacts: Georgia Armstrong, Regional Development Coordinator Direct: (08) 9424 2241, Email: georgia.armstrong@emrc.org.au EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 37
ATTACHMENT 6 MEDIA RELEASE: 19 MARCH 2008 MEDIA RELEASE 19 March 2008 BROADBAND BLACKSPOT SURVEY ENDS 31 ST MARCH With only two weeks remaining, businesses and residents of Perth s Eastern Region are urged to register in the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC) and member Council Broadband Blackspot Register. Since the survey s commencement on 1 February 2008, EMRC is positive that the incoming responses will assist in the identification of several broadband Blackspots in Perth s Eastern Region. The survey feedback received to date supports speculation from member Councils that access to suitable Broadband remains an ongoing issue for both business and residents in pockets of Perth s Eastern Region and reinforces the need for such a project. In coming months, the completed survey data will enable EMRC to locate Broadband Blackspot areas, in order to successfully facilitate required infrastructure upgrades by service providers. The simple one-page survey is available online at www.emrc.org.au or in hard copy through Council offices and libraries. For more information contact Georgia Armstrong, Regional Development Coordinator, at EMRC on Tel: 9424 2241 or Email: georgia.armstrong@emrc.org.au. -Ends- Media Contacts: Georgia Armstrong, Regional Development Coordinator Direct: (08) 9424 2241, Email: georgia.armstrong@emrc.org.au EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 38
ATTACHMENT 7 MEDIA COVERAGE SAMPLES EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 39
EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 40
ATTACHMENT 8 TYPES OF BROADBAND USE Wireless defines a technology that can provide network / Internet access through invisible radio frequency (spectrum) signals. You need to have a wireless modem to utilise this connection and check your area to see if you have coverage. Dial up is most typically the description used for dialup modem connections over copper wire based telephone (POTS) networks up to 56Kbps. ADSL (DSL ADSL, SDSL etc.) DSL (Digital Subscriber Loop) comes in many different flavours and uses an standard existing home telephone line to communicate. It's not unlike a dialup modem, yet moves data far faster. The most common talked about in Australian Broadband speak is ADSL, which means Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. It means - that you can attach a special modem onto your REGULAR home phone line - and get broadband speeds. AND, because it splits your home phone line into two; the special modem will only use frequencies not used in normal voice communications, so you can also use the home phone at the same time. A Satellite is a specialised wireless receiver / transmitter that s launched by a rocket and placed in orbit around the Earth. Internet access can be either one-way (requires dialup connection) or two-way (satellite does everything). Generally, this is a method to get Broadband in remote rural area's of Australia not supported by DSL or Cable ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) is a system of digital telephone connections. It allows multiple digital channels to be operated simultaneously through a single, standard interface. Usually runs at 64Kbps (single channel) or 128Kbps (dual-channel). EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 41
ATTACHMENT 9 TERMS & EXAMPLES OF BROADBAND ISSUES 1 - Pair Gain Customers with 'pair gain' on their services have typically been unable to get ADSL, which relies on the physical characteristics of 'clean' copper phone lines - the ability to transmit certain frequencies. Pair gain units allow up to 16 phone services to be run over one physical line through use of digital units at either end of the cable. Likewise, RIM units allow a large number of phone services to be provided over optical fibre. Both technologies prevent ADSL connections. This often occurs when Telstra is asked to add an additional line and instead of installing a new physical copper wire will place a pair gain. Example: Primus advised there was incompatible infrastructure known as "Pair Gain" or RIM technology. They also said I would need full copper wiring which I do not have. Clearview Retreat, Bullsbrook 2 - Distance from exchange People who are more than 5km s from their local phone exchange will typically not be able to get ADSL. Please note that the length of copper wire from a premises to the exchange is always higher than the distance 'as the crow flies'. Example: Have applied for ADSL in 2007 then ADSL2 this month. Both occasions told we are too far from service - Hillside Place, Bullsbrook 3 - Port Availability Limited port availability means that your local exchange is filling up or may currently be full. Ports free up from time to time. They are allocated by a provisioning application which works on a first-in-first-served basis. If no ports at a specific exchange are available for a certain ISP, it is recommended to try applying with another. Example: I applied for ADSL 2 through iinet and was told that there were no free lines as they didn t have an agreement with telstra bigpond and that it wasn t worth it as it wasn t that much faster than ADSL - Sheen Way, Bullsbrook 4 - General wiring Issue Where Survey participants referred to a wiring issue but did not specify - ie could be Pair Gain, distance from the exchange or additional configuration or line quality issues of the copper wire between the exchange and the premises. Example: We have applied for broadband several times through telstra and optus. On all occasions we have been told that it is unavailable due to the cabling down the street no being able to cope with broadband. However one time the linesmen were working in the pit outside our house. I questioned them about the cabling and it''s broadband capabilities. They told me the cable was able to provide broadband... so the mystery continues. PS there are other houses on our street who have been connected - Cathedral Avenue, Brigadoon EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 42
5 - Unhappy with existing service - Unstated Survey participants expressed an unstated issue with their existing service or the service that is available in their area. Example: Would like unlimited ADSL neighbours have we cannot get. We only can get 1GB wireless this is not suitable for Uni studies etc. - Dean Place, Lockridge 6 - Unhappy with existing service - Cost Survey participants expressed a cost issue with their existing service or the service that is available in their area. Example: Wireless is available but way to expensive for what you get in the deal I will be a heavy bandwidth user. - Elder Way, Bellevue 7 - Unhappy with existing service - Reliability Survey participants expressed a reliability issue with their existing service or the service that is available in their area. Example: Reliable service required daily for operating of an investing based business. I did receive a Federal subsidy 18 months ago to install a satellite system with Broadbant net but it is totally unreliable and unsatisfactory Mayo Rd, Gidgegannup 8 - Unhappy with existing service - Speed Survey participants expressed a speed issue with their existing service of the service that is available in their area. Example: We managed to hook up to wireless broadband but this is also extremely slow. - Smith Road, Bullsbrook 9 - Desired Service unavailable Survey participants made direct comments that desired service was unavailable, (though in most instances already had access to broadband ie wireless) Example: Have been advised by Telstra that ADSL and ADSL2 is not available Kew St, Kewdale 10 - Dial up only option Survey participants made comments that they had investigated all options and that Dial up was the only option. Example: I had broadband access when I lived in Mandurah and also when I moved to Gidgegannup now I live in Beechboro which is closer to Perth than either of the others and I can only get dial-up access which is exceptionally slow. - Bennett Springs Drive, Beechboro EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 43
11 - Telstra Survey participants made direct comments regarding Telstra. Example: High speed ADSL connection that enables me to run telephone internet and fax connection on one copper wire connection. I am not able to access this form of connection because my line is connected at the exchange by what is known as ''pairs gain.'' This I understand is a very common limitation for Telstra customers in outer Metropolitan areas. Lion Street, Mt Helena 12 Other This was used to indicate that additional information was available but did not fall under any other sections (1 11) Example: We are currently on ISDN (128k connection - 12.8kbs a second - for $45.00 a month with unlimited downloads but this will be removed for no good reason at the end of 2008. Sadly we will be forced back to dial up at the end of this year. Unless the OPEL wireless network is able to deliver a service to us we will be back to worse than a 3rd world countries internet service connection! This is unacceptable as we are less than 50km from the CBD! There was a technology that Telstra started to use over East a few years ago named LLADSL "long line ADSL" but Telstra refuses to roll this out for some reason! We desperately need a broadband solution before the end of the year otherwise we will be forced back to 2kb a second dial-up again which is pathetic in this day and age! Bullsbrook, Swan EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 44
ATTACHMENT 10 SURVEY RAW DATA EMRC-77982 - Report - Broadband Blackspot Audit Report - April 2008 45