Media Release
Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Digital Productivity
Stakeholder group to advise on greenfields broadband deployment
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today announced a Stakeholder Reference Group to advise on Fibre-to-the-Premises broadband rollouts in greenfields property estates.
"The provision of fibre-to-the-premises in greenfield estates is an important component of the Rudd Government’s vision for 21st century broadband," Senator Conroy said.
"The Government wants to ensure that our latest property developments have future-proof broadband technology and avoid costly future retro-fits."
"Forward-thinking property developers are already moving to provide Fibre-to-the-Premises and research shows this is adding value to homes."
"The Stakeholder Reference Group will be an invaluable resource, allowing for continued consultation and assistance in tackling the challenges to deliver better broadband."
The Government has published more than 80 submissions in response to the National Broadband Network: Fibre-to-the-Premises in Greenfield Estates consultation paper.
"The Government has made clear its intention to consult widely on this proposal and I welcome the input from stakeholders to date," Senator Conroy said.
"The submissions indicated broad support for the policy. Stakeholders indicated strong support for further consultation and the establishment of a stakeholder group to advise Government as it addresses a number of practical issues, such as the regulatory framework and national standards."
The Stakeholder Reference Group will involve a wide range of participants including all levels of government, telecommunications carriers, the property development industry and consumer representatives. Letters seeking nominations for membership of the Group will be sent to relevant organisations in the near future.
Submissions responding to National Broadband Network: Fibre-to-the-Premises in Greenfield Estates: www.dbcde.gov.au/nationalbroadbandnetwork
Date: 14 August 2009
Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457
