How to choose Australia's next broadband network

By Brett Winterford on Aug 13, 2010 10:08 AM
Filed under Finance

Broadband policies of the major parties compared.

Is the Coalition's alternative plan for networking Australia as backward as commentators suggest? Or is it a more realistic view of what could be achieved by the Federal Government?

CRN's sister publication iTnews.com.au compares the communications policies of the ALP and Liberal/National coalition in the lead-up to Australia's election on August 21.

COMMS POLICY	AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY	LIBERAL/NATIONAL COALITION
The promise	The ALP plan promises 93 percent of Australia's population will be connected to networks capable of delivering up to 100 Mbps, with the remainder getting wireless or satellite connectivity of at least 12 Mbps. Planned for completion in 2018.	The Coalition plan promises 97 percent of premises capable of signing up to 'peak' speeds of 12 Mbps by 2016.
Cost to taxpayer:	The NBN project is estimated to cost between $28 and $43 billion in total, depending on participation of Telstra. Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd indicated the taxpayer would pay around $11 billion of this total cost.	Just over $6 billion to the taxpayer, with the rest of the investment being met by the private sector.
Last mile Technologies:	Fibre to 93 percent of Australia's population, fixed wireless to four percent, satellite to final three percent.	The Coalition will not choose a technology winner. Expects free market to play out in cities between DSL and HFC cable services, and eventually fibre. But will fund $2 billion in grants for fixed wireless services in rural, regional and outer metropolitan areas, $700 million in grants to satellite providers and a $750 million fund for copper network upgrades those homes stuck on RIM technology.

iTnews.com.au also compares: Backhaul details; delivery vehicles; the regulatory approach; roll out plans; approach to new housing; and the two approaches to Universal Service Obligation.

Click here for the complete chart.

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