The Government has called for proposals from companies to construct a National Broadband Network, making data speeds of at least 12Mbps available to 98 per cent of the population.

The Government's objective is for the network to be built progressively taking fibre to the neighbourhood to support high quality voice, data and video services including symmetric applications such as high-definition video-conferencing.

Proposals are required by July 25.

In a separate process, the Minister also called for submissions from industry and public interest groups on the regulatory issues that should be considered in relation to the National Broadband Network.

Responses are required by June 25, a month before the tender closes.

Learn more:

• National Broadband Network - Request for submissions on regulatory issues (www.minister.dbcde.gov.au)

The public and industry have also been asked to submit policy and funding ideas to enhance broadband services in remote areas outside the coverage of the tender:

• Call for submissions on broadband solutions for remote areas (www.minister.dbcde.gov.au)
• Government invites National Broadband Network proposals (www.minister.dbcde.gov.au)
• Government announces Panel of Experts to assess National Broadband Network proposals (www.minister.dbcde.gov.au)