Media Release

Nationals MP endorses Government’s "sensible broadband decision"

Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, today welcomed the endorsement of Nationals MP Bruce Scott for the sensible decision to terminate the OPEL Networks contract.

“The Nationals Federal MP for Maranoa has a strong understanding of regional telecommunications and I welcome his plain speaking on the OPEL decision,” Senator Conroy said.

Mr Scott told the Toowoomba Chronicle, “Mr Conroy’s sensible decision to not proceed with the OPEL contract came as no surprise, as the OPEL plan did not provide rural and remote Australia with the necessary infrastructure for telecommunications access.”

The Government’s decision not to proceed with the OPEL Networks contract, which was announced yesterday, is based on an assessment that it would service only 72% of identified under-served premises.

The Rudd Government has a comprehensive plan to deliver the best available broadband services to every Australian, no matter where they live.

After 11 years of failed telecommunications policies that ensured a digital divide between our cities and the bush, it is time for action. That is why the Rudd Government will:

• Provide new funding of $95 million for the Australian Broadband Guarantee;
• Implement the recommendations of the Glasson Regional Review, with up to $400 million available from the Communications Fund.
• Build a high speed, fibre-based National Broadband Network that will deliver a minimum 12 megabits per second to 98% of all Australian homes and businesses, including those in rural and regional areas; and
• Shortly call for proposals to improve the delivery of high-speed broadband to the 2% not covered by the National Broadband Network.

“The Rudd Government understands the concerns that regional and remote Australians have about broadband services. We are committed to ensuring all Australians, no matter where they live, have access to high-speed broadband, ” Senator Conroy said.

“The Government has already committed $95 million to the continuation of the Australian Broadband Guarantee for the 2008-2009 financial year. We will be considering changes to the guidelines to ensure that the program delivers the best possible outcomes. There will be full opportunity for all interested stakeholders to have input into the guidelines for the new program.”

“In addition to this, the Government is continuing to support the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee (RTIRC) headed by Dr Bill Glasson. The Committee has been holding public meetings across Australia since February and is expected to develop a comprehensive report on how to improve regional and remote telecommunications for the Australian Government to consider.”

“The Government will implement the National Broadband Network that will extend into rural and regional areas to deliver a minimum 12 megabits per second to 98% of all Australian homes and businesses.”

“The Government will shortly call for comments on policy and funding initiatives to improve access to affordable broadband in remote areas of Australia into the future,” Senator Conroy said.

Senator Conroy today encouraged regional and remote consumers to have their say about the adequacy of regional, rural and remote broadband.

The RTIRC is holding public meetings in Queensland at Cloncurry, Richmond and Townsville from 8–10 April respectively.

Those who are unable to attend one of the proposed public meetings should call or write to the Committee.

The Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee was established by the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 to review the adequacy of telecommunications services in regional, rural and remote parts of Australia.

Information about these consultations and the Review is available from the website at www.rtirc.gov.au or by phone 1800 064 851 (free call).

Date: 3 April 2008

Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457