Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy

Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy

DEPUTY LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SENATE

Draft guidelines to enhance Australian Broadband Guarantee

Draft guidelines to improve the Australian Broadband Guarantee were today released by the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy.

“The Rudd Government has announced that $270.7 million will be made available to fund the Australian Broadband Guarantee program until June 2012. These new draft guidelines will enhance the program to ensure it delivers a higher level of broadband service and provides better protection for consumers,” Senator Conroy said.

“The Government has committed to invest up to $4.7 billion to build a National Broadband Network covering 98% of Australian homes and businesses. However, it is important that all Australians have equitable access to broadband, both while the network is being rolled out, and in those most remote areas that the new network may not cover.”

New Australian Broadband Guarantee guidelines include:

• A higher level of broadband service than currently required.
• A requirement to offer shaped data or excess data at a capped cost to minimise bill shock.
• Standard contract clauses that protect the interests of consumers in a fair and consistent way.

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) will also have greater certainty to invest in terrestrial networks with new guidelines providing for two-year registrations and exclusivity in registered service areas up to 2012 provided certain conditions are met.

To give ISPs a clear indication of the priority areas the Government will publish online ‘heat maps’ of underserved premises eligible for the Australian Broadband Guarantee program.

Payments of up to $6000 (ex GST) per customer will be provided for very remote areas to help cover the costs involved in providing infrastructure in these costly and difficult to service places.

“The Rudd Government is serious about developing long-term solutions to ensure the delivery of improved broadband to all Australians, no matter where they live,” Senator Conroy said.

The Australian Broadband Guarantee draft program guidelines are currently available at www.dbcde.gov.au for public comment and any consumers or ISPs who have an interest in the program are encouraged to provide feedback by COB 28 May 2008.

Date: 16 May 2008

Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457