Cockatoos chew Australia billion-dollar broadband

Australia's multimillion dollar broadband network is under attack - from cockatoos.

The National Broadband Network (NBN) company said it has spent tens of thousands of dollars so far fixing cables chewed by the birds. Australian broadband is already criticised for being slow.

According to a recent report, it ranks 50th in the world for internet speed. NBN estimates the bill will rise sharply as more damage is uncovered.

In an attempt to improve Australia's internet speed - currently lagging behind many developed countries at 11.1 megabits per second - a national telecommunications infrastructure project has been instigated and is due for completion in 2021.

Co-project manager Chedryian Bresland said, "I guess that's Australia for you; if the spiders and snakes don't get you, the cockies will." The company says it is currently installing protective casing which costs just A$14 each, that will protect the wires from birds in future and save their three billion dollar network.

Source: bbc.com

UCJ, UNILORIN.