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.

    • TPG Telecom suggests single 'best effort' NBN product of 100Mbps or more

    TPG Telecom suggests single 'best effort' NBN product of 100Mbps or more

    Advocates for a simpler structure to broadband plans.
    Ry Crozier Aug 9 2021 12:51PM Telco/ISP
    NBN Co makes spirited defence of CVC and its cost to date

    NBN Co makes spirited defence of CVC and its cost to date

    As industry unites a second time in its demand for change.
    Ry Crozier Aug 9 2021 6:38AM Telco/ISP
    NBN Co says it conducts many audits of delivery partner "activities"

    NBN Co says it conducts many audits of delivery partner "activities"

    Too many to count.
    Ry Crozier Aug 5 2021 1:20PM Telco/ISP
    NBN Co cancelled almost 58,000 technician appointments in April and May

    NBN Co cancelled almost 58,000 technician appointments in April and May

    But doesn’t link cancellations to problems with Unify.
    Ry Crozier Aug 5 2021 7:15AM Telco/ISP
    Aussie Broadband makes late push for NBN high-speed upgraders

    Aussie Broadband makes late push for NBN high-speed upgraders

    Also explains lockdown CVC concerns.
    Ry Crozier Aug 2 2021 5:31PM Telco/ISP
    NBN Co to offer a month of bandwidth relief to internet providers

    NBN Co to offer a month of bandwidth relief to internet providers

    At a total cost of $5.2 million.
    Ry Crozier Jul 29 2021 12:26PM Telco/ISP
    Australia's top NBN RSPs say lockdowns expose them to excess bandwidth charges again

    Australia's top NBN RSPs say lockdowns expose them to excess bandwidth charges again

    Lobbying govt for another temporary bandwidth bonus.
    Ry Crozier Jul 27 2021 12:15AM Telco/ISP
    NBN Co brings in KPMG to audit subcontractor pay

    NBN Co brings in KPMG to audit subcontractor pay

    Ignores question about whether the review will be made public.
    Ry Crozier Jul 26 2021 6:35AM Telco/ISP
    NBN Co says 119,000 services still can't reach 25Mbps peak speeds

    NBN Co says 119,000 services still can't reach 25Mbps peak speeds

    Despite network being "built and fully operational".
    Ry Crozier Jul 22 2021 4:37PM Telco/ISP
    CBA takes 25 percent stake in two NBN retail service providers

    CBA takes 25 percent stake in two NBN retail service providers

    Will offer 'discounted NBN and broadband' to customers.
    Ry Crozier Jul 22 2021 8:28AM Financial Services
    NBN roundtable returns focus to customer needs - and NBN Co's costs

    NBN roundtable returns focus to customer needs - and NBN Co's costs

    Areas of scrutiny revealed.
    Ry Crozier Jul 21 2021 12:33PM Telco/ISP
    ACCC clears 5G as a substitute for fixed-line broadband

    ACCC clears 5G as a substitute for fixed-line broadband

    Sets high bar for a future ruling.
    Ry Crozier Jul 20 2021 12:52PM Telco/ISP
    Labor calls for audit of NBN Co executive bonuses

    Labor calls for audit of NBN Co executive bonuses

    Queries relationship between payouts and financial performance.
    Ry Crozier Jul 15 2021 1:39PM Telco/ISP
    NBN Co contracts out $1.1bn of FTTN overbuild work

    NBN Co contracts out $1.1bn of FTTN overbuild work

    Under $3bn program.
    Ry Crozier Jul 14 2021 10:12AM Telco/ISP
    NBN Co to change the way it expands and upgrades its wireless network

    NBN Co to change the way it expands and upgrades its wireless network

    Stands up a new panel of partners.
    Ry Crozier Jul 8 2021 7:01AM Telco/ISP
    Telstra to pay out $25m in refunds over underperforming NBN services

    Telstra to pay out $25m in refunds over underperforming NBN services

    Given a 'remedial direction' by the regulator.
    Ry Crozier Jul 7 2021 6:45AM Telco/ISP
    NBN Co to offer temporary discount for every active 250Mbps-plus customer

    NBN Co to offer temporary discount for every active 250Mbps-plus customer

    As six-month 'focus on fast' campaign nears end.
    Ry Crozier Jul 5 2021 12:31PM Telco/ISP
    Optus hit by widespread network outage

    Optus hit by widespread network outage

    Mobile, internet services impacted.
    Justin Hendry Jul 2 2021 11:27AM Telco/ISP
    ACCC uncovers small number of NBN gigabit users seeing only 100Mbps

    ACCC uncovers small number of NBN gigabit users seeing only 100Mbps

    Asks retailers to check up on in-home setups.
    Ry Crozier Jun 30 2021 12:25PM Telco/ISP

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