New hope for iPORT connection
02 Oct 2009
Local Docklands telco Comvergence believes it can connect residents to the iPORT fibre optic network.
Comvergence has successfully connected a number of businesses in the Aquavista building in Docklands Drive to iPORT and says it could do the same for Docklands residents.
As reported in last month’s Docklands News, iPORT has not been available to residents since telco Arise walked away from local subscribers in June.
Comvergence managing director Dave Allen (pictured left) said 20-30 residents in each Docklands tower would have to request connection to make it cost-effective to use the fibre network. He said it was not yet clear to him which buildings had the potential to be connected.
“We’re trying to get some idea where Silk (a previous owner of the iPORT network) left the cables down here,” he said.
He said fibre optic was expensive to commission but could compete with less expensive technologies such as ADSL if enough residents were interested.
He said Comvergence was able to offer Aquavista businesses fibre optic speeds at comparable costs to ADSL.
Mr Allen said Comvergence “found” the iPORT fibre optic cable coiled up in an electrical substation in the base of Aquavista. He said his company brought the cable up to the seventh floor where they connected it into the building’s existing communications network.
Mr Allen said it may be possible to offer Foxtel and IPTV services in the future.
Comvergence’s success with iPORT came to light via a Docklands News online survey which last month asked readers if they believed they were connected via fibre optics. Ten people responded. None of the residential respondents believed they were using fibre.
The survey revealed:
- Only 30 per cent were using cable TV;
- Most have a “reasonable” internet connection;
- Most have “good” mobile phone coverage;
- Most have “lousy” television reception; and
- Most have “reasonable” radio reception.
Only three people responded positively when asked to describe their telecommunications experience in Docklands.
One respondent said: “While I was with Arise, I understood that it was using the fibre optic cable. When Arise ceased to offer the service, I had great trouble finding out exactly what the situation was regarding the connection, and who alternative providers were for the Conder building. VicUrban were unhelpful. Ultimately I have started using a Dodo wireless connection. Your article has given me more information. Keep up providing information such as this.”
Another said: “Docklands is a digital dud! For a new suburb we should have the best digital infrastructure and connectivity – we have the worst.”
“I’ve lived in several suburbs in Melbourne over the years and Docklands by far has the worst coverage. My ADSL internet is the slowest I’ve experienced. My wireless internet connection constantly drops out. The TV and radio reception are terrible. I can’t pick up any AM stations! I don’t get all FM stations e.g. Triple M fades in and out, and in some parts of my apartment FM reception is dreadful for all stations.”
“I don’t plan to renew my Foxtel subscription because I regularly have no signal on Sky News, Channel V and Music Max. Foxtel blame building – building blame Foxtel – no one will take responsibility and it is beyond a joke.”
“Thanks DCN for raising this issue. Hopefully someone will take notice and bring us into the 21st century.”
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Comments
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This is the sort of thing Docklands needs. I've moved into a 3 month old building to find it's been provisioned with only DSL 1 services, and no cable. We should have fiber to every new building at a minimum. Vic Urban need to step up.
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I think it is outrageous that the television reception is so bad in a suburb that is so new and no-one seems willing or able to fix the problem.
