$140 K party for 7 nonpaying customers

[sprintcyclist]

A PUBLICITY stunt to announce the first seven customers to sign up for a free trial of the NBN cost the Federal Government $140,000, it has been revealed.

The launch in independent MP Tony Windsor's northern NSW seat in May was attended by Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Communications Minister Stephen Conroy, as well as NBN Co boss Mike Quigley, reported The Daily Telegraph.

The government has now admitted that the cost of the event, which the Opposition has labelled as a "giant publicity stunt", was $138,474.05.

It was organised to show the PM "switching on" the first mainland NBN connection in Armidale.

It was later revealed that only seven retail customers in Armidale had actually signed up for the free trial prior to the launch - despite 3000 homes in the area being NBN ready.

At the time, Ms Gillard described the NBN as "the greatest infrastructure project in this nation's history".......

http://www.news.com.au/top-stories/nbn- ... 6156805482

[Plough]

Interesting it was in Tony Windsors electorate!!!! Who says government cant be bought!!!!

[boxy]

Who says government cant be bought!!!!

I dunno.

Who?

[Plough]

Who says government cant be bought!!!!

I dunno.

Who?

The government?

[boxy]

[mantra]

It was later revealed that only seven retail customers in Armidale had actually signed up for the free trial prior to the launch - despite 3000 homes in the area being NBN ready.

This is an indication that people aren't embracing it and are wary of it - perhaps believing that further down the track they'll be committed to paying uncompetitive prices for the service.

The costs have already blown out of the predicted budget. Someone has to pay for them and that will be us. As the cost has become so prohibitive - those living in remote areas still won't receive the services they were promised a decade ago when it was a condition that Telstra wouldn't be sold until these services were established.