NBN connection for Dock 5

High-speed internet is coming to Dock 5, with the NBN Co expected to install fibre in the building this month.

The move by NBN comes after owners raised concerns about PIPE Networks’ attempt to install fibre facilities in the building, which they believed would limit residents’ choice of internet providers.

Docklands News last month reported that PIPE Networks had told buildings across Docklands and other high-density areas in Australia that it would be installing fibre.

A loophole in the Telecommunications Act means carriers of telecommunications services, such as PIPE Networks, have the power to install low-impact facilities in buildings, even where OCs resist the installation.

It’s understood the installation of PIPE Networks could prevent or deter other companies, including the NBN, from installing fibre in the building, limiting residents to using TPG (owner of PIPE Networks) as their internet provider.

Dock 5 Owners’ Corporation (OC) committee member Tom Burt contacted the NBN after the OC received a letter from PIPE Networks about the planned installation of fibre in the building.

An NBN spokesman said Dock 5 would receive NBN fibre because it fits the criteria for a trial currently being conducted.

“The trial is examining the merits of bringing forward the rollout of the NBN to apartments in high-value, inner-city areas in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane,” the spokesperson said.

Dock 5 resident building manager Bill Castle said he was working with the NBN to facilitate the connection, which would be fibre-to-the-apartment.

OC chair Denis Setches said having the NBN connection would be a great improvement.

“It’s certainly a great improvement on what it would have been (if PIPE Networks had installed fibre). With NBN there’s the choice of so many providers,” he said.

Mr Setches thanked Mr Burt and other residents of the building who had advised and worked towards achieving the outcome.

“We have to deliver due care and diligence for our owners and we believe that’s what’s happened now,” Mr Setches said.

The NBN spokesperson said a timetable for the wider rollout of the NBN across Docklands was not yet available.