The unpredictable performance of VDSL2 technology over Telstra’s copper network means that NBN Co would be unable to guarantee customers the 50Mbps speeds promised by the new government, a leaked NBN Co report has warned.
NBN Co would be unable to offer a guaranteed 50Mbps broadband service under the Coalition’s alternative model for the national broadband network, NBN Co has warned in confidential briefing papers prepared for incoming communications minister Malcolm Turnbull.
The limitation is due to the unknown performance characteristics of the VDSL2 technology upon which the Coalition’s broadband policy is based. VDSL2’s real-world performance is based on the still-unknown condition of Telstra’s copper network and the distance of any particular subscriber from the closest network node.