Optus lodges $250m backhaul blackspots bids

Optus has placed bids to build all six of the fibre links the Government is funding under its $250 million backhaul blackspots scheme.

The move confirmed an earlier statement made by the telco to iTnews that it would consider constructing the links if the projects proved "to be economically and commercially viable".

The telco said in a statement today that it had bid for projects covering Darwin, Emerald, Longreach, the South West Gippsland coast, Victor Harbour and Geraldton.

"The bids would see Optus build and then operate the new backhaul network for a period of at least five years on behalf of the Government," Optus said.

"[They] are now open for consideration by the Government, and Optus looks forward to the next stage in the process."