Media Release
Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate
Fast-track for National Broadband Network in regional Australia
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today announced steps to fast-track the National Broadband Network in regional Australia.
"We are moving to immediately improve the competitive market in regional Australia and are fast-tracking a $250 million investment in backbone fibre optic transmission links," Senator Conroy said.
"These are the broadband highways that connect our cities, towns and rural areas to the wider world."
"In parts of Australia particularly links connecting our rural and regional areas competition is limited as there is only a single provider of these services."
"This $250 million investment demonstrates how serious we are about immediate improvement for services in regional and rural Australia and will contribute to the immediate stimulus impact of the National Broadband Network."
Senator Conroy today released a stakeholder consultation paper to drive the regional backhaul initiative.
"High-speed broadband will revitalise our regions, provide new job opportunities, drive efficiency and improve the delivery of social services," Senator Conroy said.
"We want to work closely with all stakeholders and move quickly to make these investments."
The ACCC has confirmed that places with only a single provider of backhaul services include: Geraldton in Western Australia, Mt Gambier in South Australia, Broken Hill in New South Wales, Mildura in Victoria, Mt Isa in Queensland, and Darwin in the Northern Territory.
This is an indicative list and the consultation provides stakeholders the opportunity to help identify and prioritise regional locations for investment. It also asks for comment on technical parameters associated with the rollout and arrangements for funding, the delivery of services and the ownership of the infrastructure.
Submissions to the consultation paper are due by Tuesday 12 May 2009. A competitive tender process will be commenced shortly after. Copies of the consultation paper are available online at: www.dbcde.gov.au
Date: 23 April 2009
Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457
