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.

    • ISPs throw cold water on Conroy's 'uncapped' NBN

    ISPs throw cold water on Conroy's 'uncapped' NBN

    Fears 'uncapped' could become the new 'unlimited'.
    Mahesh Sharma Aug 3 2010 10:34AM Telco/ISP
    Family First demands free university with NBN

    Family First demands free university with NBN

    To justify $43 billion spend.
    Liz Tay Aug 2 2010 1:22PM Telco/ISP
    Basslink throws weight behind NBN Tasmania

    Basslink throws weight behind NBN Tasmania

    Touts new POPs among expansion plans.
    Ry Crozier Aug 2 2010 6:00AM Telco/ISP
    NBN coverage maps reveal 93 percent fibre footprint

    NBN coverage maps reveal 93 percent fibre footprint

    Accepts implementation study recommendation.
    Liz Tay Jul 30 2010 2:11PM Telco/ISP
    Google hosts election debate

    Google hosts election debate

    Lundy, Fletcher and Ludlam face off on tech policies.
    Liz Tay Jul 28 2010 2:24PM Financial Services
    Australia scores a C on Akamai broadband report card

    Australia scores a C on Akamai broadband report card

    Shows improvement but needs to apply itself to the NBN.
    Nate Cochrane Jul 28 2010 11:27AM Networking
    Vocus eyes layer 3 service on NBN

    Vocus eyes layer 3 service on NBN

    Builds on IP transit base.
    Ry Crozier Jul 27 2010 12:31PM Telco/ISP
    Australia Post targets digital economy

    Australia Post targets digital economy

    Strives to keep from being a ‘burden to the taxpayer’.
    Liz Tay Jul 27 2010 6:49AM Strategy
    Top 10 policy ideas from IIA's Digital Economy Paper

    Top 10 policy ideas from IIA's Digital Economy Paper

    Comment: A concise guide.
    Brett Winterford Jul 26 2010 7:02PM Strategy
    NBN Co reaches out to first-release residents

    NBN Co reaches out to first-release residents

    Free fibre offer - but no guarantees.
    Staff Writers Jul 26 2010 1:21PM Telco/ISP
    Google fibre method "could save NBN $10 billion"

    Google fibre method "could save NBN $10 billion"

    Aussie firm eyes NBN work.
    Ry Crozier Jul 26 2010 6:56AM Networking
    NBN key to Greens’ Labor support

    NBN key to Greens’ Labor support

    Ludlam slams Liberal’s telco “wrecking tactics”.
    Liz Tay Jul 22 2010 2:18PM Telco/ISP
    iiNet eyes long-term Basslink transit deal

    iiNet eyes long-term Basslink transit deal

    Netspace capacity proves fit-for-purpose.
    Ry Crozier Jul 22 2010 12:51PM Telco/ISP
    Audit Office to tackle Defence IT, Computers in Schools

    Audit Office to tackle Defence IT, Computers in Schools

    Filter, blackspots program also in the spotlight.
    Mahesh Sharma Jul 20 2010 11:24AM Financial Services
    Gillard calls Federal Election

    Gillard calls Federal Election

    NBN to attract young voters, Pirate Party won't contest.
    Ry Crozier Jul 17 2010 1:24PM Strategy
    Revealed: How 100 Mbps broadband will rock your world

    Revealed: How 100 Mbps broadband will rock your world

    Makes you want the NBN.
    Ry Crozier Jul 16 2010 6:00AM Telco/ISP
    Analysis: The political flavours of the NBN rollout

    Analysis: The political flavours of the NBN rollout

    If you want ultra-fast broadband, does it pay to be a swinging voter?
    Nate Cochrane Jul 9 2010 6:56AM Telco/ISP
    Maps: Second release of NBN Co sites

    Maps: Second release of NBN Co sites

    Darwin, Perth, Geraldton, Mandurah, Townsville, Toowoomba, inner-city Brisbane, Adelaide, Western Sydney, Coffs Harbour, Melbourne and Bacchus Marsh among those to get NBN fibre services in 2011.
    Jul 8 2010 2:04PM Networking
    Huawei, RMIT to build network training centre

    Huawei, RMIT to build network training centre

    About 1,000 students to benefit.
    Mahesh Sharma Jul 7 2010 2:54PM Training & Development
    Conroy shortlists next 20 NBN sites

    Conroy shortlists next 20 NBN sites

    UPDATE: Western Australia to get a look-in?
    Brett Winterford , Mahesh Sharma Jul 7 2010 2:01PM Telco/ISP

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