Election 2013: Broadband Election 2013: Broadband

Of all the election issues watched by the tech sector, the national broadband network has enlivened the most debate.

The Coalition released its broadband policy ahead of many of its other policies, promising to deliver a fibre-to-the-node network for 25 percent less than Labor’s $44.1 billion fibre-to-the-home network.

Here’s how the policies stack up:

Labor

  • $44.1 billion fibre to the home network (to be delivered by June 2021), with 97 percent fibre coverage and the remainder a mix of satellite and fixed wireless.
  • Network to deliver download speeds of up to 1 Gbps and upload speeds of 400 Mbps, depending on the plan purchased.
  • Wholesale pricing structure fixed, with NBN Co remaining the monopoly provider.
  • Wholesale price capped at $24 per month for 12 Mbps download/1 Mbps upload speed, frozen for five years, and subsequent increases limited to less than the price of inflation.

    • Coalition

  • $29.5 billion mostly fibre-to-the-node premises (to be delivered by June 2015), with 71 percent FTTN and 22 percent FTTP on greenfields sites, and the remainder a mix of satellite and fixed wireless.
  • Network to deliver download speeds of up to 50 Mbps for the FTTN connections and 1 Gbps for FTTP connections. Upload speeds for FTTN connections of up to 10 Mbps and 400 Mbps for FTTP connections.
  • Wholesale pricing structure capped by the ACCC, with competing broadband access networks allowed.
  • Wholesale price forecast to be $38 per month in 2021, with a user pays policy for those wishing to connect the ‘last mile’ to their home with fibre.

    • Greens

  • Support Labor’s NBN policy.
  • Amended policy to ensure any future moves to privatise the NBN would be subject to a review to protect the public interest, requiring the approval of Parliament.

    • Coalition promises "refined" broadband policy

    Coalition promises "refined" broadband policy

    Christopher Pyne says it's a long way to the next election.
    Staff Writers Sep 20 2010 10:54AM Telco/ISP
    NBN must avoid becoming 'failed state'

    NBN must avoid becoming 'failed state'

    Arbor Networks urges NBN Co to build a network that is secure by design.
    Ry Crozier Sep 17 2010 1:52PM Security
    NBN Co builds for video, sharing

    NBN Co builds for video, sharing

    Retail service providers to approach customers with confidence for first time.
    Nate Cochrane Sep 16 2010 4:12PM Telco/ISP
    Austrade organises Asian broadband tour

    Austrade organises Asian broadband tour

    Industry invited for ‘Digital Economy and Broadband Applications Mission’.
    Liz Tay Sep 16 2010 11:15AM Strategy
    Abbott: Telstra "bought, not convinced" on NBN

    Abbott: Telstra "bought, not convinced" on NBN

    Hopes to change independents' minds.
    Ry Crozier Sep 15 2010 11:03AM Telco/ISP
    Turnbull blasts NBN waste, internet filter

    Turnbull blasts NBN waste, internet filter

    Shadow comms minister predicts "massive destruction of wealth".
    Ry Crozier Sep 14 2010 5:51PM Telco/ISP
    Turnbull attacks rejigged NBN

    Turnbull attacks rejigged NBN

    Bad news for internet users in outer suburbs.
    Ry Crozier Sep 14 2010 5:18PM Telco/ISP
    Turnbull nabs communications portfolio

    Turnbull nabs communications portfolio

    Tony Smith shown the door.
    Ry Crozier Sep 14 2010 3:56PM Telco/ISP
    Optus white lists cable-compatible security devices

    Optus white lists cable-compatible security devices

    Nine to 12-month turnaround for HFC-compliant alarm firmware.
    Nate Cochrane Sep 14 2010 6:12AM Security
    NBN obsoletes a million security systems: ASIAL

    NBN obsoletes a million security systems: ASIAL

    Industry fears broadband upgrade neither alarms nor alerts Australians.
    Nate Cochrane Sep 13 2010 1:18PM Security
    NBN priority not promised to independents: Conroy

    NBN priority not promised to independents: Conroy

    Regional rollout re-jig.
    Ry Crozier Sep 9 2010 6:57AM Telco/ISP
    Conroy to rejig NBN rollout schedule

    Conroy to rejig NBN rollout schedule

    Priority fibre for regional areas.
    Ry Crozier Sep 8 2010 1:38PM Telco/ISP
    NBN Co back in business

    NBN Co back in business

    Gillard, Coalition, Greens have their say.
    Liz Tay , Ry Crozier Sep 7 2010 6:22PM Telco/ISP
    Katter swings to Coalition

    Katter swings to Coalition

    Announcement catches Australia off-guard.
    Ry Crozier Sep 7 2010 2:19PM Strategy
    Katter pays tribute to the "no vote" NBN

    Katter pays tribute to the "no vote" NBN

    Project was "great" for Australians.
    Ry Crozier Sep 7 2010 6:42AM Telco/ISP
    Consensus evaporates on NBN model

    Consensus evaporates on NBN model

    Are we back to Square One?
    Ry Crozier Sep 6 2010 6:00AM Telco/ISP
    Treasury claims $900m Coalition NBN shortfall

    Treasury claims $900m Coalition NBN shortfall

    Difference of opinion.
    Ry Crozier Sep 2 2010 2:07PM Telco/ISP
    NBN3 Wireless plan needs 4G spectrum fast-track

    NBN3 Wireless plan needs 4G spectrum fast-track

    Dark fibre and wireless coalition issues new proposal.
    Ry Crozier Sep 1 2010 12:58PM Telco/ISP
    NBN to survive but not intact: Budde

    NBN to survive but not intact: Budde

    Analyst urges Coalition to re-state its broadband policy.
    Staff Writers Aug 30 2010 5:39PM Telco/ISP
    Tasmania seeks to bolster mobile app industry

    Tasmania seeks to bolster mobile app industry

    Premier meets with Apple Australia exec.
    Liz Tay Aug 30 2010 2:09PM Software

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