SPAN names industry winners

The Service Providers' Association (SPAN) announced the winners of its 2004 Telecommunications Achievement Awards last week, naming those companies it believes provide leadership in one capacity or another.

Two companies scooped the top prize in the 'Providing Leadership in Innovation': Hutchison Telecommunications was awarded for launching Australia's first third-generation network; Personal Broadband Australia was recognised for introducing new wireless broadband access services.

The top dog in the 'Providing Leadership in Industry Competition' was Primus Telecom for advancing the competition regime in relation to wholesale access to infrastructure services while both iiNet and Pacific Internet were awarded for 'Providing Leadership in Industry Growth'.

Optus' former chief executive, Chris Anderson, was awarded for his achievements in the 'Providing Leadership through Services to the Industry' category.

The annual awards were sponsored by KPMG and presented by Helen Coonan, Minister for Communication, Information Technology & the Arts.

Chairman of SPAN, John Kranenburg, highlighted the importance of the awards for illustrating the advances and investments made by certain telcos.

"SPAN Telecommunications Achievement Awards recognise the contributions of individuals and organisations in the areas of innovation, competition and growth. SPAN believes that these three attributes are worthy of recognition as they provide the essential foundation for a healthy industry operating effectively to the mutual benefit of both its members and its customers.

"With these awards, SPAN's membership has the opportunity to applaud its leaders whose work provides the impetus for continuing improvements to the industry's wellbeing and reputation across the wider community."