LETTER: Telco network situation is absurd

DEAR News Of The Area,

ANOTHER phone outage causing 000 call problems!

We are told that various networks can use each other’s networks when they must, such as in an emergency – but we, the consumers, are paying for massive duplications of networks across Australia as each provider determines where their network will provide coverage.

I wonder how our government leaders at both State and Federal level would react if car makers did the same. Imagine if Toyota built a functional, adequate highway from Sydney to Brisbane – but ONLY Toyota drivers could use it? Perhaps Hyundai could corral the market for Sydney to Melbourne? Perhaps Ford would be nostalgic and build the Sydney to Bathurst highway just to make it difficult for one week each year?

Such an absurd situation would barely be talked about before being shut down as utter nonsense.

Yet, that is what is happening with Telcos. Each is building their own massive network but ONLY for their own customers.

They have already demonstrated clearly that the technology allows sharing. Surely then it’s just book-keeping for Telcos to bill each other for calls emanating from outside their network.

Regards,

Leon Walsh.