The quality of Telstra’s service has yet again come under fire with revelations that live copper wiring has been left dangerously exposed because of poor maintenance efforts.
Where local cross connection cabinets in areas around the Sydney CBD and Parramatta have been damaged, Telstra has poorly repaired them with plastic bags, leaving cables exposed near schools and businesses.
“Each of Telstra’s cross connection cabinets is used to service the lines of 300 homes, businesses and schools in our local communities.
“But rather than ensure they are properly maintained, Telstra’s repairs have been shonky and are putting the public at risk,” said NSW Communications Electrical Plumbing Union (CEPU) Assistant Secretary Steve Dodd.
“One of the damaged distribution cabinets is right in the heart of the Parramatta CBD, just around the corner from local primary and high schools.
“The damage these open wires could do to not only phone services, but also to any children who may touch them is unthinkable.
“You can clearly see from this photo, wires hanging loose which represent broken lines and mould gathering on connecting pins disturbing the quality of that line.
“However, Telstra continues to deny complaints from the CEPU that they mistreat repairs in local communities by simply covering the problem with plastic bags.”
“This is the service Telstra provides to its customers.”
These revelations of negligence come as Telstra announces 35 further job cuts to their technical field workforce in Sydney – workers who would normally be required to repair and maintain this type of infrastructure.
“Telstra are cutting corners to save money by not employing enough communications technicians to get the job done right, and it’s the local businesses and families that suffer.
“The lack of basic maintenance is just the type of irresponsibility that leads to businesses losing customers or vital services due to corporate cost cutting.”
Media Comment:
Steve Dodd
CEPU NSW Assistant Secretary
0419 220 726
Comments are closed.
