Tasmania readies NBN "opt-out" legislation

By Ry Crozier on Nov 16, 2010 12:01 AM
Filed under Telco/ISP

Government makes good on October plan.

Tasmanian Premier David Bartlett will introduce legislation to state parliament today to put the onus on residents to "opt out" of receiving an NBN fibre connection to their homes.

The plan was floated by Bartlett last month to "ensure all accessible homes and business are automatically connected [to the NBN], unless they actively decline".

Currently, NBN Co has to seek permission from residents to connect fibre from the street to their house.

"From the advice and research I've received, I'm convinced an opt-out model is the most practical and efficient way to ensure all Tasmanians can innovate and prosper in the new digital economy," Bartlett said.

"Tasmania will be the most connected place on the planet by 2014, as the first port-of-call for Australian high-speed broadband."

NBN Co chief Mike Quigley said last month that the company would need to "figure out how exactly we'll deal with" legislated opt-out provisions should they be passed.

There was no indication that other states or territories would follow Tasmania's lead.

Tasmania readies NBN "opt-out" legislation

7 comments in this discussion

"@meski, yes, in fact it sounds like two someones may have done so. What is it about "opt out" that they do not understand?"

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tasmania, nbnco, nbn, bartlett, opt, broadband, connection, fibre, turnbull

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Comments: 7

DazzaJ Nov 15, 2010 9:27 PM	Can you also "Opt Out" of the extra expenses and ongoing costs of the NBN? A great business model if regular business could use it- offer to supply a service whether needed or not, and unless people "opt out" then simply charge them for it! They have no choice! What's next we "opt out" of getting pay tv or similar sevices and start paying a $100+ a month for a service we don't want, or we "opt out" of going on a $200 a month internet plan for 2 years for a service we don't want or need, we "opt out" of having any rights or freedom of choice?
HubertCumberdale Nov 15, 2010 11:42 PM	DazzaJ wrote: blah blah blah They have no choice! Sorta like the current copper network now? Hello? Hello? Anybody home? Huh? Think, McFly. Think!
Mabelode Nov 16, 2010 11:09 AM	"opt out" of electricity smart meters?
firey1 Nov 16, 2010 11:10 AM	"Can you also "Opt Out" of the extra expenses and ongoing costs of the NBN?" Of course you can Opt Out Dazza, Move to another country where technology isn't wanted. Just watch out for cannibals.
Tom Brown Nov 16, 2010 11:17 AM	If the NBN was a private corporation this would never have been considered. Though I am not averse to an automatic installation, is this what the NBN wants? Oh DazzaJ, I do not think they are talking about requiring a person to sign up, This is only the groundwork. Why do governments need to put their sticky fingers into everything, do they just feel left out if they do not get to push some buttons? I would like to see a more hands off approach from government and other interests.
meski Nov 16, 2010 12:07 PM	Mmm, sounds like someone opted out of their medications.
anonymous Nov 16, 2010 3:03 PM	@meski, yes, in fact it sounds like two someones may have done so. What is it about "opt out" that they do not understand?