Government opens FTTN tender
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 over five years and support high quality voice, data and video services including symmetric applications such as high-definition video-conferencing.
The Government said the network would also allow competition by ensuring all service providers had access to the network on equivalent terms.
Telstra Wholesale Group Managing Director, Kate McKenzie, noted the release of the tender documents.
"Australia’s future prosperity literally depends upon upgrading our networks for the high-speed broadband Gigabit age," Kate said.
"This task is too important to risk with unknown quantities. Only Telstra has the proven capability to undertake this critical nation-building task.
"Telstra’s National Broadband Network would be an open-access network, so our competitors will be able use it on equivalatent terms.
"Telstra is ready to build this network, as long as it makes business sense to do so," Kate said.
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.
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.
Media releases from Minister Conroy: