Media Release
Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate
Funding to support strong broadband demand
The Rudd Government has committed to bring forward $23.8 million in funds to meet strong demand for the Australian Broadband Guarantee.
"The Australian Broadband Guarantee is an important program and bringing forward funding will ensure more people are able to benefit this financial year," said the Minister for Broadband, Communications, and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy.
"It is important that people are able to access broadband services while we deliver the National Broadband Network, and that is why we have brought forward Australian Broadband Guarantee funding for this financial year."
"Such strong demand for the Australian Broadband Guarantee is further evidence of a growing demand for better broadband services across the country and the need for better services in regional Australia."
The Rudd Government has demonstrated strong support to the Australian Broadband Guarantee, providing a four-year funding commitment and enhancing conditions for consumers and providers.
The Government has also enhanced the services delivered under the program, tripling the monthly download limit for a metro-comparable service.
Bringing forward funding of $23.8 million will ensure providers can accommodate all new subscribers for the remainder of the financial year.
"The Australian Broadband Guarantee remains a very popular and successful safety-net program while the National Broadband Network is rolled out," Senator Conroy said.
"The National Broadband Network will ultimately provide high-speed, high-quality services to 100 per cent of Australian homes and workplaces, but it is important that people have access to basic services in the interim."
Australian Broadband Guarantee:
Online www.dbcde.gov.au/abg
Freecall 1800 883 488
Date: 27 November 2009
Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457
