
After the Government has verified all the required network information has been submitted by all interested parties, the telcos will have 12 weeks to finalise their proposals for the tender process.
Telstra used today's Government confirmation as an opportunity to silence critics like Optus CEO Paul O'Sullivan, who claimed it was Telstra who is holding up NBN progress by withholding network information.
Telstra has thus far been very vocal about its network submission and has urged rival telcos, particularly Optus, to be more open about their submission status.
“It is incumbent upon Optus to say whether it has received confirmation that its network information meets the Government’s requirements," said Telstra’s incoming Group Managing Director for Public Policy & Communications, David Quilty.
“Every month that a National Broadband Network is not built, Australia forfeits at least $200 million in economic benefits. It is time to get this show on the road.”