Tasmania readies NBN "opt-out" legislation

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.