Getting the NBN installed was to be a simple procedure. First appointment to run the line in: done on time, with no fuss.

Second appointment to connect it, well that was three weeks later, no earlier appointment and that's when the fun began.

I had to be on the premises from 12pm until 5pm to wait for the Telstra technician to arrive. Why can't they ring 30 minutes before attending? 4.20pm: no technician and with steam coming out of both ears the phone rang.

Yep,  you guessed it, Telstra from India to tell me he was unable to make the appointment but they would re-book it. Terrific, when will this occur? Sorry sir, just bear with me while I look it up.

After some time I ask how he was going. Still looking. I've got to do this manually you know but there is no vacancies in March and none in April so it could be May.

May, I screeched. My appointment was today, not in bloody May. Sorry, sir, that is the best I can do. OK, put on a supervisor. No, they are in a meeting. Well, let's get one out of a meeting. Sorry, sir, I can not do that.

This ended with no confirmed date, but he would ring me when he could confirm one.

Two hours later a supervisor rang and told my wife they had a date, but after speaking to me – you guessed it – still no date. Can I ring you next week?

So to all you people out there rushing to get the NBN, slow down and ask plenty of questions, as the way I see it Telstra has not got enough staff to keep their own phones working.

I'm old enough to remember when it was Australian-owned and run by Australians.