Homes online

CNT Corp, the company responsible for installing fibre networks in a number of local new residential developments, says there are common misconceptions about how the networks operate.
Houses built in new residential developments are connected to a single wholesale fibre optic network which is used retail by phone and internet service retailers to provide services to residents.
CNT Corp’s fibre optic networks service local estates like Amberlea and Edenbrook. CNT Corp director David Setiady says the company is keen to correct misunderstandings reported in Pakenham News on 23 May 2013 about the relationship between CNT Corp’s fibre optic networks and phone and internet service providers.
“Some residents are under the impression that we discourage competition. That’s nonsense. As required by law, we make our network available to phone and internet service providers on an open access basis,” he said.
“We install a high-speed fibre network and make it available to any retail service provider who asks for it. For example, if Telstra asks to use our network to provide services to estate residents, we will allow them.
“If Pakenham estate residents would like service from Telstra or Optus or any specific retailer, they should contact that retailer and ask them to provide service in these areas. We will welcome them with open arms.”
Mr Setiady says CNT Corp has several retailers providing phone and internet services across its networks, including Clear Networks and Aftel.
“It’s great that these retailers have stepped up and supported the local community when, so far, larger service providers haven’t,” he said.
“Perhaps the estate populations aren’t large enough to attract the biggest retailers yet. But thanks to companies like Aftel and Clear Networks, residents still have access to services.
“CNT Corp didn’t choose these retailers. They requested access to our networks, and we complied with our obligation to give it to them.
“The current situation is that none of the ‘well-known’ phone and internet providers has sought to service the new local estates,” he said.