Malcolm Turnbull: NBN rollout slow as “an arthritic snail”

Malcolm Turnbull MP has criticised the National Broadband Network (NBN) rollout, saying it is moving “with the determination and velocity of an arthritic snail”.

The opposition communications spokesperson made the comment on ABC 702 on 18 April while speaking to presenter Linda Mottram.

“The risks associated with the NBN are getting greater, the risks of financial blowouts, rollout delays … there’s every indication that this project is going to take longer to roll out,” Turnbull said.

He said people will have to wait years for broadband upgrades, which will cost the taxpayer more.

“This is where this project has the potential of being genuinely a lose-lose: it will be very expensive for taxpayers, but it will not result in more affordable broadband for consumers,” he said.

When asked what he would do if elected to government, he promised that very fast broadband will be available to Australians “sooner and at a lower cost to taxpayers and more affordable”.

Areas that have inadequate service would be prioritised under an Opposition government, Turnbull said.