Delays connecting new telephone subscribers
The Minister said most connections were provided within two to three months, with refunds of advance payments offered when delays exceeded that period, but no interest compensation was proposed. He said the contractor strike had no direct connection to individual connections and denied that a statutory three-month connection obligation applied.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the reasons for the inordinate delays in connecting telephones to new subscribers throughout the country over the past year; if he proposes to make any refund on the interest foregone by these people on their money; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Comment on this
In the vast majority of cases telephone service is provided within about two to three months after the advance payment has been collected.
Unfortunately in some cases it has not been possible to provide service within the normal time scale because of pressure of other urgent work and the need to divert staff to maintenance work.
Offers to refund advance payment are made when it is not possible to provide service within the three-month period or a little after that. It is not proposed to make any payment in respect of interest.
Comment on this
No reason has been given for the delays except that staff had to be deployed for maintenance work and I should like to know what effect the closing down of the Telectron factory and the current strike at Ericssons is having on the connecting of telephones throughout the country?
Comment on this
The strike, which I have already dealt with has no direct connection to the provision of telephones for individuals.
Comment on this
If the Department stuck to the fibre optics we would have less trouble with maintenance and cables.
Comment on this
Is it true that once an applicant pays the connection charges and advance rent and signs a contract there is a statutory obligation on the Department to connect him to the service within three months?
Comment on this
I cannot say that there is a statutory obligation on the Department but the Department endeavour to make the connections as soon as possible. If that extends over three months an offer of a refund of the money is made to the applicant.
Comment on this
What steps are the Department taking to make allowances to those who have waited 18 months for a connection?
Comment on this
It is not proposed to make any payment in respect of interest they may seek on money paid to the Department regardless of how long they have to wait for the service.
