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.

    • Emerson hands keys to first NBN PoI

    Emerson hands keys to first NBN PoI

    Stands by coalition-proof contract.
    Brett Winterford , James Hutchinson Mar 22 2012 7:18AM Networking
    Photos: Building an NBN Co PoI

    Photos: Building an NBN Co PoI

    Emerson Network Power hands over the first of ten multi-purpose facilities to NBN Co.
    James Hutchinson Mar 22 2012 6:30AM Telco/ISP
    VoIP providers prepare NBN attack

    VoIP providers prepare NBN attack

    Engin, MyNetFone adopt fibre network.
    James Hutchinson Mar 21 2012 3:51PM Telco/ISP
    TPG mulls unlimited NBN plans

    TPG mulls unlimited NBN plans

    Cuts FetchTV talks.
    James Hutchinson Mar 21 2012 7:19AM Telco/ISP
    Geraldton builds out technology park

    Geraldton builds out technology park

    Targets mining companies with IBM grant.
    James Hutchinson Mar 20 2012 7:00AM Strategy
    ClubTelco offers contract-free NBN

    ClubTelco offers contract-free NBN

    Brings annual membership fee to fibre network.
    Staff Writers Mar 19 2012 4:07PM Telco/ISP
    NBN analysis charts path to 1Gbps

    NBN analysis charts path to 1Gbps

    Gigabit speeds likely as IPTV erupts.
    James Hutchinson Mar 16 2012 12:30PM Telco/ISP
    Satellite working group probes backhaul rules

    Satellite working group probes backhaul rules

    New NBN working group.
    James Hutchinson Mar 13 2012 6:30AM Telco/ISP
    Govt to 'consider' lifting NBN Co info embargo

    Govt to 'consider' lifting NBN Co info embargo

    Makes no promises.
    James Hutchinson Mar 6 2012 9:03AM Telco/ISP
    IPSTAR, iiNet heat up satellite price competition

    IPSTAR, iiNet heat up satellite price competition

    Support and usage costs weigh on price premium.
    James Hutchinson Mar 2 2012 2:32PM Telco/ISP
    NBN Co steps closer to three-year rollout plan

    NBN Co steps closer to three-year rollout plan

    Telstra-NBN Co deal almost done.
    James Hutchinson Feb 28 2012 1:23PM Telco/ISP
    Telstra reveals NBN pricing

    Telstra reveals NBN pricing

    Signs final contract.
    Staff Writers Feb 27 2012 11:45AM Telco/ISP
    Fletcher: Governments can't dictate technology adoption

    Fletcher: Governments can't dictate technology adoption

    Attacks NBN and e-health records.
    Brett Winterford Feb 26 2012 5:19PM Strategy
    Photos: Inside an NBN satellite installation

    Photos: Inside an NBN satellite installation

    Wiring up eligible residents to NBN Co's interim satellite service.
    Feb 23 2012 1:36PM Telco/ISP
    NBN Co revises greenfields rollout process

    NBN Co revises greenfields rollout process

    Residents in NBN limbo to get interim Telstra service.
    James Hutchinson Feb 16 2012 11:28AM Telco/ISP
    ACCC declares Telstra wholesale pricing

    ACCC declares Telstra wholesale pricing

    Will it solve decade-long competition concerns?
    James Hutchinson Feb 14 2012 5:26PM Telco/ISP
    NBN Co contracts long-term call centre software

    NBN Co contracts long-term call centre software

    $1.5m contract goes to Aussie reseller.
    James Hutchinson Feb 13 2012 11:07AM Telco/ISP
    NBN satellite builder, ground workers in patent suit

    NBN satellite builder, ground workers in patent suit

    Network hopeful seeks damages.
    James Hutchinson Feb 8 2012 6:33PM Telco/ISP
    NBN Co orders long-term satellites

    NBN Co orders long-term satellites

    Aussie satellite bid finds new life in NBN.
    James Hutchinson Feb 8 2012 2:00PM Telco/ISP
    Exetel simplifies NBN plans

    Exetel simplifies NBN plans

    Shaves $30 off top-tier plan.
    Staff Writers Feb 7 2012 3:29PM Telco/ISP

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