For some time residents have been experiencing problems with landline telephone service with regular fixed line outages, crossed lines or line dropouts, and line interference  making conversation impossible.

The internet service is unreliable, slow or non existent and the lack of mobile phone coverage adds to their woes.

With many people operating businesses from their homes they require a reliable, efficient telecommunication system to support the business activity. The meeting was organised when it became apparent the problems were widespread.

Federal member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie had been made aware of the issues prior to the meeting and had been in discussions with Telstra. He was able to inform those present that Telstra has committed to upgrading the Marlee telephone exchange to include more port availability to meet demand.

In the absence of a Telstra representative, David Bourne from Coastal Computing Solutions stepped into the role to explain telecommunications technicalities, the issues surrounding internet access and options available given the geographical location of the communities.

David's expertise was well received with people gaining a much clearer understanding of options available to them.

The timing of the upgrade of the Marlee exchange is uncertain but the community says it needs to be addressed promptly otherwise the sustainability of the communities is at risk of rapidly eroding and the lives and livelihoods of the people compromised.

"We will keep fighting and make sure they [Telstra] deliver on their promise and service improves," Dr Gillespie said.