KEEP LAND LINES IN RURAL AREAS

This submission is on behalf of people suffering from the condition of EHS/ MTS (Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity Syndrome/ Microwave Toxicity Syndrome). Those with this condition cannot tolerate wireless signals without becoming ill. This can occur when exposed to such: wifi, mobile telephony, bluetooth, etc.

Under the NBN, rural areas may not be provided with any sort of cable at all, only wireless connectivity. This poses a fundamental problem for this disadvantaged group as people with EHS/MTS cannot use wireless options. It is not about choice. It is about necessity: they only have ONE option: a land line. Therefore people with EHS ABSOLUTELY REQUIRE THEIR EXISTING LAND LINE for their connectivity requirements whether telephone or internet.

Due to the current proliferation and numerous sources of artificial EMR in the environment, which causes much suffering in this group, and prevents them from moving freely in society and living normal lives, it is a fact that for many, THEIR LAND LINE IS THEIR ONLY ACCESS to the outside world. To take away the ONE accessible and usable communication tool that enables this group to communicate, would be a cruel travesty in every aspect of their lives and create untold damage for them: emotionally, physically, socially, and mentally. It would constitute yet another breach of their Human Rights and certainly the Federal Disability Discrimination Act 1992, which aims to promote the equal opportunity and access for people with disability, covering the use of goods, services and facilities.

EHS sufferers who have become aware of the ramifications of the Telecommunications Universal Service Obligation Inquiry are already greatly stressed at the thought that their land lines could be taken from them. The threat of it is creating hardship for an already greatly challenged, disadvantaged and marginalised group of people.

Thank you for considering this submission and we hope for good news that the essential Land Lines for Rural Australia remain intact into the future. Should fibre optics eventually become available in those areas, this would be acceptable, but until then, please ensure this group’s rights are upheld.

EHS Network

Please see slide: https://www.slideshare.net/YaelStein1/ehs-human-rights
The Productivity Commission Telecoms Inquiry http://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/current/telecommunications/make-submission