Australia’s average internet speed is 11.1MBps, making it the 50th fastest in the world. A major infrastructure project, which aims to roll out better service nationwide, is due to be completed in 2021, although it is already attracting criticism for slow speeds.
Engineers visiting sites to check on the cables have found them damaged, having been chewed by cockatoos. Most of the damage has occurred in southeast Australia in areas surrounding grain farms, which attract the birds.
According to the National Broadband Network (NBN) Company, the network builder, repairing the damage done by the birds has already cost $80,000. These costs are likely to rise as further bird-inflicted damage is revealed.
NBN is planning to cover the cables with inexpensive, protective plastic casing to protect them from birds and other animals in the future.
“They are constantly sharpening their beaks and as a result will attack and tear apart anything they come across,” said...