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.

    • Rudd announces Tasmania NBN links

    Rudd announces Tasmania NBN links

    Tasmanian towns of Smithton, Scottsdale and Midway Point to be connected by July 2010.
    Staff Writers Jul 27 2009 9:35AM Telco/ISP
    Sydney pitched for national broadband network headquarters

    Sydney pitched for national broadband network headquarters

    Australian Technology Park, Barangaroo and North Ryde on HQ shortlist.
    Brett Winterford Jul 23 2009 5:14PM Telco/ISP
    Government to charge $24k for access to NBN documents

    Government to charge $24k for access to NBN documents

    Opposition stumped at price of paper.
    Ben Grubb Jul 23 2009 1:13PM Telco/ISP
    Infrastructure lobby pitches ACCC to set NBN access prices

    Infrastructure lobby pitches ACCC to set NBN access prices

    Renewed calls for Telstra separation plan.
    Staff Writers Jul 22 2009 4:36PM Telco/ISP
    Google pushes need for high speed NBN

    Google pushes need for high speed NBN

    Fast internet and net neutrality essential, says Google.
    Staff Writers Jul 22 2009 4:23PM Software
    Conroy faces pressure over infrastructure bonds

    Conroy faces pressure over infrastructure bonds

    More immediate NBN issues to deal with.
    Ry Crozier Jul 21 2009 2:33PM Financial Services
    Victoria’s NBN testbed reveals national plans

    Victoria’s NBN testbed reveals national plans

    Eyes extensions with AARNET, NICTA and CSIRO.
    Ry Crozier Jul 21 2009 6:00AM Telco/ISP
    Conroy eyes Telstra copper assets for NBN

    Conroy eyes Telstra copper assets for NBN

    Twenty billion dollar investment could facilitate “trade-offs”.
    Ry Crozier Jul 20 2009 1:28PM Telco/ISP
    Tassie NBN to be delivered on power poles

    Tassie NBN to be delivered on power poles

    Tender points to use of overhead cables.
    Brett Winterford Jul 16 2009 5:38PM Telco/ISP
    Tasmanian NBN promised by mid-2010

    Tasmanian NBN promised by mid-2010

    Names Tasmanian NBN company to oversee project.
    Staff Writers Jul 16 2009 3:44PM Telco/ISP
    Telstra wins $146m Catholic Schools network deal

    Telstra wins $146m Catholic Schools network deal

    Church invokes higher power should NBN start in five years.
    Brett Winterford Jul 13 2009 7:09PM Telco/ISP
    Anti-fibre activist tells businesses to foot NBN

    Anti-fibre activist tells businesses to foot NBN

    At least for the 'last mile'.
    Ry Crozier Jul 10 2009 5:43AM Telco/ISP
    Country Energy adds NBN to smart grid thinking

    Country Energy adds NBN to smart grid thinking

    Backhaul investments could be valuable.
    Ry Crozier Jul 9 2009 3:12PM Networking
    NBN adviser interviews wrap up

    NBN adviser interviews wrap up

    Details Tasmanian oversight.
    Ry Crozier Jul 8 2009 4:28PM Telco/ISP
    Be patient with NBN investment returns: Hackett

    Be patient with NBN investment returns: Hackett

    $43 billion “cheap” in 50-year context.
    Ry Crozier Jul 7 2009 2:33PM Telco/ISP
    NBN mailbag tallies 700 letters

    NBN mailbag tallies 700 letters

    “Doug from Queensland” offers to dig trenches.
    Ry Crozier Jul 7 2009 1:07PM Telco/ISP
    Huawei considers Australian 4G lab

    Huawei considers Australian 4G lab

    But dollars depend on demand.
    Ry Crozier Jul 3 2009 12:17PM Networking
    Minchin claims there is no need for NBN

    Minchin claims there is no need for NBN

    Argument based on a Sensis survey.
    Brett Winterford Jun 23 2009 3:15PM Telco/ISP
    ispOne out of the regional NBN loop

    ispOne out of the regional NBN loop

    And 150 ISPs with them.
    Ry Crozier Jun 19 2009 2:46PM Telco/ISP
    IT salary growth declines

    IT salary growth declines

    Higher package brackets for managers and DBAs.
    Staff Writers Jun 19 2009 1:44PM Training & Development

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