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.

    • NBN can't shake layer three concerns

    NBN can't shake layer three concerns

    Dominates the Senate Committee proceedings.
    Ry Crozier Apr 15 2010 1:06PM Networking
    Fibre mandate will attract cowboys: Budde

    Fibre mandate will attract cowboys: Budde

    Potential to replicate failed home insulation scheme.
    Ry Crozier Apr 13 2010 11:28AM Telco/ISP
    NBN a double-standard for new home buyers

    NBN a double-standard for new home buyers

    Renewed calls for NBN Co to jump into new housing estates.
    Ry Crozier Apr 8 2010 3:50PM Telco/ISP
    Storm erupts over Coalition's NBN policy preview

    Storm erupts over Coalition's NBN policy preview

    As NBN Co presses ahead with fibre tests.
    Ry Crozier Mar 31 2010 11:33AM Telco/ISP
    ISPs win clarity on NBN Co interconnect location

    ISPs win clarity on NBN Co interconnect location

    Details to be released within a fortnight.
    Ry Crozier Mar 25 2010 12:38PM Networking
    US smart grid to generate 1000 petabytes of data a year

    US smart grid to generate 1000 petabytes of data a year

    Australia’s real-time systems will require NBN solution.
    Nate Cochrane Mar 23 2010 12:03PM Networking
    ACCC bulks up on staff ahead of NBN

    ACCC bulks up on staff ahead of NBN

    Competition watchdog beefs up Communications unit.
    Natalie Apostolou Mar 23 2010 2:52AM Telco/ISP
    Ex-People Telecom CEO to head Comms Alliance

    Ex-People Telecom CEO to head Comms Alliance

    Stanton to replace Anne Hurley.
    Staff Writers Mar 22 2010 1:05PM Telco/ISP
    Exetel, Netspace press case to become Tassie NBN ISPs

    Exetel, Netspace press case to become Tassie NBN ISPs

    Push NBN Co for response.
    Ry Crozier Mar 20 2010 12:18AM Telco/ISP
    Feds arrive at $2500 to connect fibre to new homes

    Feds arrive at $2500 to connect fibre to new homes

    Greenfields legislation introduced to Parliament.
    Brett Winterford Mar 18 2010 2:13PM Networking
    Greens boil over Conroy's Senate snub

    Greens boil over Conroy's Senate snub

    Government holds onto NBN implementation study.
    Ry Crozier Mar 17 2010 3:39PM Telco/ISP
    iiNet leads the way on NBN fibre pricing

    iiNet leads the way on NBN fibre pricing

    Primus, iiNet and Internode sign up as Tassie's first NBN ISPs.
    Brett Winterford Mar 15 2010 2:26PM Telco/ISP
    Coalition still likes OPEL broadband template

    Coalition still likes OPEL broadband template

    Denies vague NBN policy adding to uncertainty.
    Ry Crozier Mar 12 2010 1:24PM Telco/ISP
    Gungahlin gains Senator support for RIM escape

    Gungahlin gains Senator support for RIM escape

    Campaign turns to NBN Co and TransACT.
    Ry Crozier Mar 12 2010 11:36AM Telco/ISP
    NBN implementation report in Conroy's hands

    NBN implementation report in Conroy's hands

    Senators call for report to be made public.
    Liz Tay Mar 10 2010 3:09PM Telco/ISP
    Hello Optus: ASKAP telescope gets first radio signal

    Hello Optus: ASKAP telescope gets first radio signal

    NBN to strengthen SKA bid.
    Liz Tay Mar 5 2010 3:13PM Oddware
    Revealed: The councils to taste-test the NBN

    Revealed: The councils to taste-test the NBN

    Who lobbied who?
    Ry Crozier Mar 4 2010 12:24PM Telco/ISP
    Law centre launch: NBN Co promises transparency

    Law centre launch: NBN Co promises transparency

    Organisations vie for a say.
    Liz Tay Mar 4 2010 9:29AM Telco/ISP
    Government to keep a leash on NBN Co

    Government to keep a leash on NBN Co

    Legislation enshrines power in the hands of the Minister.
    Brett Winterford Feb 24 2010 12:42PM Telco/ISP
    NBN overseer retires from Conroy's department

    NBN overseer retires from Conroy's department

    Replacement named.
    Staff Writers Feb 23 2010 12:39PM Telco/ISP

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