Macquarie calls for intervention on Basslink

A dispute with the builder of the link is understood to be behind delays to its construction, although Basslink has previously stated the problems won't hold up the launch of the service.

"Macquarie understands that the link between the Basslink landing point in Gippsland and Melbourne has been a key stumbling block and cause of recent delays," it said in a submission [PDF] to the DBCDE.

"[We] suggest it may be appropriate for backhaul blackspot initiative funds to be directed to ensure this particular part of the Bass Strait link is operational, efficient and effective."

Macquarie also "encouraged" the Government to fund a duplicate backhaul link between Launceston and Hobart, either through the blackspots initiative or the NBN itself.

The telco said it believed Telstra's control of the link between the two major Tasmanian population centres had stunted economic development in the region.