Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy

Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy

DEPUTY LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SENATE

Government invites National Broadband Network proposals

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy, today announced the release of the Request for Proposals (RFP) to roll-out and operate the National Broadband Network.

“This is a major step towards delivering on the Government’s election commitment to enable world-class, high-speed broadband for all Australians,” Senator Conroy said.

“The National Broadband Network will represent the single largest investment in broadband infrastructure in Australia’s history. The Australian Government has committed up to $4.7 billion and to considering any necessary regulatory changes to enable the roll-out.”

The RFP details the scope of the National Broadband Network, which will:

• deliver minimum download speeds of 12 megabits per second to 98 per cent of Australian homes and businesses;
• have the network rolled out and made operational progressively over five years using fibre-to-the-node or fibre-to-the-premises technology;
• support high quality voice, data and video services including symmetric applications such as high-definition video-conferencing;
• earn the Commonwealth a return on its investment;
• facilitate competition in the telecommunications sector through open access arrangements that allow all service providers access to the network on equivalent terms; and
• enable uniform and affordable retail prices to consumers, no matter where they live.

“The new network will change the way Australians communicate and do business, and demonstrates the priority this Government is giving to building Australia’s future,” Senator Conroy said.

“The Government encourages interested parties to come forward with innovative proposals. These will be assessed by the Panel of Experts announced on 11 March 2008, who will then provide their recommendation to Government so that by the end of year the Government can announce the successful proponent and the new network build can then commence.”

The RFP documentation is available on the AusTender website at www.tenders.gov.au. Details on how to lodge proposals are set out in the RFP. Proposals must be received by 3.00pm AEST, July 25 2008.

Further information on the National Broadband Network and how to make a submission is available at www.dbcde.gov.au/nationalbroadbandnetwork

11 April 2008

Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457