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.

    • 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
    Govt seeks tender for national training network

    Govt seeks tender for national training network

    Three-year contract up for grabs.
    Liz Tay Feb 19 2010 2:22PM Networking
    Australia an OECD ‘role model’

    Australia an OECD ‘role model’

    Infrastucture competition noted as challenge.
    Liz Tay Feb 19 2010 6:54AM Strategy
    Photos: Rolling out fibre in Australia's backbone blackspots

    Photos: Rolling out fibre in Australia's backbone blackspots

    Regional Backbone Blackspot Program kicks off.
    Staff Writers Feb 18 2010 10:09AM Telco/ISP
    Analysis: Quigley's balancing act

    Analysis: Quigley's balancing act

    Should the NBN favour existing ISPs and telcos or new market entrants?
    Brett Winterford Feb 17 2010 4:45PM Telco/ISP
    UTS to launch online law centre

    UTS to launch online law centre

    Centre to intervene 'in the public interest'.
    Liz Tay Feb 16 2010 12:02AM Strategy
    Telstra takes its time on NBN Co negotiations

    Telstra takes its time on NBN Co negotiations

    Not feeling the pressure.
    Ry Crozier Feb 11 2010 10:57AM Telco/ISP
    NBN Co seeks procurement managers

    NBN Co seeks procurement managers

    Four positions up for grabs.
    Liz Tay Feb 11 2010 6:44AM Networking
    Failed NBN RFP tripped up by time pressures

    Failed NBN RFP tripped up by time pressures

    Over $30 million wasted on all sides.
    Ry Crozier Feb 3 2010 10:52PM Telco/ISP
    Conroy's NBN data safe from independent review

    Conroy's NBN data safe from independent review

    Opposition accused of toeing the line in Senate Inquiry.
    Ry Crozier Feb 3 2010 1:05PM Telco/ISP
    Tasmanian Govt uses NBN to attract data centres

    Tasmanian Govt uses NBN to attract data centres

    Developing strategy to lure investors and builders.
    Staff Writers Jan 19 2010 2:36PM Networking
    Nextgen to use Alcatel kit in $250m blackspot project

    Nextgen to use Alcatel kit in $250m blackspot project

    Works through Christmas on planning.
    Ry Crozier Jan 14 2010 1:40PM Telco/ISP

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