An amazing story surfaced today of a Federal MP claiming extraordinary costs from the taxpayer for his home internet bill. Several thousand dollars a month – how could this be?
From March to June Mr Robert claimed a staggering $8655 from his entitlements against his home internet service. Just think about that – four months, $8655. I have two NBN connections at my home, both unlimited, both at the highest available speeds – it would take me 45 months to rack up an $8655 bill!
A breathtaking home Internet bill is shining an unwelcome spotlight on the new federal assistant Treasurer, Stuart Robert. @CUhlmann #9News pic.twitter.com/JWpocZvw1A
— 9News Australia (@9NewsAUS) October 5, 2018
So how did it happen?
Mr Robert lives in a remote part of the Gold Coast, according to him “a long way from the exchange”. His claims just a few years ago were for $70 odd a month, so he had internet, we can only assume that was ADSL.
However, to ensure a “reliable and stable” internet connection, Mr Robert hooked up a 4G internet service. We all know those ain’t cheap.
But for many, like Mr Robert, they are the only option. No NBN yet, so to get speeds suitable for a modern businessman let alone politician, 4G it was.
I accept that. But he claims to have had a 50GB limit, and paid per GB after that. He’s been using almost 300GB it seems, because at $10 per 1GB he’s been clocking up those bills.
But here’s the real issue. At some point didn’t it seem just ludicrous that you would be paying $1000 for internet? Let alone over $2,000?
Bloody oath. Any regular Aussie would have simply curbed their usage. Tell the kids to knock off the streaming, pair back you usage.
A smart Aussie would simply sign up to a different service, maybe two of them.
Two Optus 4G Home Wireless Services would cost $180 a month, and give you 500GB of data. Come on folks, that’s the solution.
Word is he’s going to pay the money back. Let’s hope he finds a better solution. And Mr Robert, if you need some advice on finding a good deal – Ask Trev!
He also reports today that he has an NBN installation appointment booked.