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.

    • Feds to crowdsource ideas for NBN talkfest

    Feds to crowdsource ideas for NBN talkfest

    Community Groups urged to participate via wiki and Twitter.
    Brett Winterford Dec 3 2009 5:24PM Software
    Government "underestimated" broadband guarantee demand

    Government "underestimated" broadband guarantee demand

    Brings forward $23.8 million in broadband guarantee funding.
    Ben Grubb Nov 30 2009 3:31PM Telco/ISP
    Alcatel-Lucent brings sales focus to NBNCo dealings

    Alcatel-Lucent brings sales focus to NBNCo dealings

    Internal taskforce make-up changes.
    Ry Crozier Nov 30 2009 3:20PM Networking
    NBN Committee suggests NBN debate "not proceed"

    NBN Committee suggests NBN debate "not proceed"

    Wants more clarity.
    Ben Grubb Nov 26 2009 3:05PM Telco/ISP
    Tassie fibre testers get free TiVo

    Tassie fibre testers get free TiVo

    Free TiVo and a year's free internet for 1000 households on test-bed fibre network.
    Ben Grubb Nov 25 2009 12:28PM Telco/ISP
    Telstra takes Melbourne cable network to 100 Mbps

    Telstra takes Melbourne cable network to 100 Mbps

    But still no word on a national rollout.
    Brett Winterford Nov 19 2009 11:41AM Telco/ISP
    NBNCo's Kaiser paid $450,000

    NBNCo's Kaiser paid $450,000

    Opposition cries foul.
    Ben Grubb Nov 18 2009 10:55PM Telco/ISP
    Optus to launch LTE wireless trials

    Optus to launch LTE wireless trials

    Makes Telstra's bargaining position that little bit more difficult.
    Brett Winterford Nov 18 2009 5:12PM Telco/ISP
    Tassie Education asks burning NBN question

    Tassie Education asks burning NBN question

    What do we do with it?
    Staff Writers Nov 16 2009 3:02PM Software
    Optus pitches satellite for NBN role

    Optus pitches satellite for NBN role

    Warns it will take at least three years to launch a new satellite.
    Brett Winterford Nov 10 2009 5:38AM Telco/ISP
    Photos: Driving satellites at Optus' Earth station

    Photos: Driving satellites at Optus' Earth station

    iTnews takes a look at Optus Satellite's Sydney Earth Station.
    Brett Winterford Nov 10 2009 5:36AM Networking
    BT: Functional separation was a success

    BT: Functional separation was a success

    British regulator and BT boast of the benefits of separation.
    Liz Tay Nov 4 2009 12:17AM Telco/ISP
    Telstra CEO available 'on-demand' for Conroy

    Telstra CEO available 'on-demand' for Conroy

    Can't remember how many times they have met.
    Munir Kotadia Oct 29 2009 10:49AM Telco/ISP
    Conroy brushes error aside as Telstra negotiations continue

    Conroy brushes error aside as Telstra negotiations continue

    Telstra valuation leak an "unfortunate error".
    Ben Grubb Oct 28 2009 5:58AM Telco/ISP
    Business Council renews calls for NBN cost-benefit analysis

    Business Council renews calls for NBN cost-benefit analysis

    Three words Senator Conroy can't seem to escape.
    Ry Crozier Oct 26 2009 4:06PM Telco/ISP
    NBN expert panellist wants more talk on wireless

    NBN expert panellist wants more talk on wireless

    Expert panellist calls for more talk on 10 percent of NBN.
    Ben Grubb Oct 24 2009 12:09AM Telco/ISP
    Regional towns added to Tasmanian fibre rollout

    Regional towns added to Tasmanian fibre rollout

    "Aggresive timelines" to be adhered to.
    Staff Writers Oct 21 2009 3:22PM Telco/ISP
    Conroy: there will be no delay

    Conroy: there will be no delay

    Communications Minister says Telstra split legislation will not be held back.
    Brett Winterford Oct 14 2009 11:27AM Telco/ISP
    Telstra urges Senate to delay separation

    Telstra urges Senate to delay separation

    Pleads with Senators.
    Ben Grubb Oct 13 2009 3:22PM Telco/ISP
    Telstra stands firmly opposed to "unjust" split

    Telstra stands firmly opposed to "unjust" split

    Rejects the Government's regulatory reform bill.
    Brett Winterford Oct 9 2009 3:13PM Telco/ISP

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