Most of those issues were aired at Tuesday’s Senate Joint Standing Committee into the NBN in Launceston. 

It confirmed what many knew; the NBN provides a path to digital greatness if someone can figure out how to connect the thing in an efficient manner.

Opening the Senate committee hearing was University of Tasmania Sense-T associate professor, Stephen Cahoon.

While pleased with the quality of the NBN at his office, Professor Cahoon was gob-smacked it took four separate technicians – each arriving at different times – to connect fibre to his home.

That testimony was followed by an optimistic and blunt assessment by Launtel chief executive Damian Ivereigh – who is gaining messiah status for his ability to convey how the NBN works, and fix problems.

Speaking optimistically about Launceston’s future thanks to fibre NBN, Mr Ivereigh declared there was a large amount of confusion among residents about the speeds retailers could provide, and the issue of connecting to it.

For those who persevere, there are great benefits to the network.

But as NBN self-declared to The Examiner; “we can do better”.

Thankfully, the organisation will continue ironing out the issues. 

Let’s hope it can better communicate with retailers and the public when things go pear-shaped.

As the rollout passes 50 per cent of the nation, it is time to stop the political slinging match about comparative benefits of fibre and copper.

Former Health Minister Sussan Ley was the sole government voice at the Launceston sitting of the Joint Standing Committee into the NBN. 

There was a recurring push from Tasmania’s Labor representatives for witnesses appearing to confirm the nation would be better suited with a fibre-to-the-premises rollout.

Fibre is faster but more expensive. 

Copper is cheaper but slower.

This region has world-class fibre connected to its doors, so now is the time to spruik our new phrase across the nation: Launceston, the place to migrate and innovate. 

Hopefully it catches on.