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.

    • Fibre builders face up to Government-funded threat

    Fibre builders face up to Government-funded threat

    Stiff opposition to NBN Co's expanded role in greenfield estates.
    Ry Crozier Jul 7 2010 12:29PM Telco/ISP
    Internode, iPrimus connect NBN Tasmania customers

    Internode, iPrimus connect NBN Tasmania customers

    Fast connection hits Micron21 speedtest mirror.
    Staff Writers Jul 2 2010 2:26PM Telco/ISP
    Conroy puts Fielding in front of Telstra, NBN Co

    Conroy puts Fielding in front of Telstra, NBN Co

    Seeks smooth passage of consumer safeguards bill.
    Ry Crozier Jun 28 2010 4:53PM Telco/ISP
    Conroy retains Comms portfolio

    Conroy retains Comms portfolio

    Gillard announces 'limited reshuffle'.
    Liz Tay Jun 28 2010 1:47PM Telco/ISP
    Ludlam: Change in comms ministry unlikely

    Ludlam: Change in comms ministry unlikely

    Conroy’s position secured by sensitive negotiations.
    Liz Tay Jun 24 2010 5:28PM Telco/ISP
    Finance Minister Tanner to quit politics

    Finance Minister Tanner to quit politics

    Nothing to do with new Prime Minister.
    Brett Winterford Jun 24 2010 3:44PM Strategy
    Gillard promises ministerial changes

    Gillard promises ministerial changes

    To call an election in ‘coming months’.
    Liz Tay Jun 24 2010 1:15PM Strategy
    Conroy amends Telstra separation bill

    Conroy amends Telstra separation bill

    Urges support from Opposition and minor parties.
    Staff Writers Jun 23 2010 5:17PM Telco/ISP
    Minor parties keen to talk on Telstra deal

    Minor parties keen to talk on Telstra deal

    Willing to do their own deals.
    Brett Winterford Jun 23 2010 6:58AM Telco/ISP
    Telstra Wholesale partners charmed by NBN deal

    Telstra Wholesale partners charmed by NBN deal

    Deal worth "millions".
    Negar Salek Jun 22 2010 6:58AM Telco/ISP
    Opinion: A real test of Telstra's marketing muscle

    Opinion: A real test of Telstra's marketing muscle

    Can Telstra sell its customers and win them back again?
    Brett Winterford Jun 21 2010 3:17PM Telco/ISP
    Coalition vows to scrap $11bn NBN Co-Telstra deal

    Coalition vows to scrap $11bn NBN Co-Telstra deal

    Industry welcomes agreement.
    Ry Crozier Jun 21 2010 8:04AM Telco/ISP
    NBN committee pushes for cost-benefit analysis

    NBN committee pushes for cost-benefit analysis

    But Government makes no cost-benefit commitments.
    Liz Tay Jun 17 2010 7:44PM Telco/ISP
    Conroy touts 50 percent uptake for NBN pilot

    Conroy touts 50 percent uptake for NBN pilot

    Tasmanian fibre services to launch shortly.
    Liz Tay Jun 15 2010 4:12PM Networking
    Austrade claims fifth largest ICT industry in Asia

    Austrade claims fifth largest ICT industry in Asia

    Agency boasts of a “burgeoning” industry.
    Staff Writers Jun 15 2010 2:43PM Strategy
    Internode undercuts iiNet, Primus on Tassie fibre plans

    Internode undercuts iiNet, Primus on Tassie fibre plans

    Prices start at $29.95 per month.
    Mahesh Sharma Jun 8 2010 10:43AM Telco/ISP
    NBN phone service to support legacy devices

    NBN phone service to support legacy devices

    Comms Alliance releases discussion paper for NBN telephony.
    Juha Saarinen Jun 7 2010 1:20PM Telco/ISP
    Do cost-benefit doubts strengthen NBN argument?

    Do cost-benefit doubts strengthen NBN argument?

    If companies won’t do it, Government may have to.
    Liz Tay Jun 4 2010 1:34PM Telco/ISP
    NBN Co puts greenfields on roadmap

    NBN Co puts greenfields on roadmap

    Business plan to be developed.
    Ry Crozier May 28 2010 2:07PM Telco/ISP
    Future Fund: Telstra shares can't go much lower

    Future Fund: Telstra shares can't go much lower

    Hit for six in an uncertain market.
    Ry Crozier May 26 2010 5:02PM Financial Services

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