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 builds NBN automation for growth

    iiNet builds NBN automation for growth

    Plans April compliance.
    James Hutchinson Mar 30 2012 11:25AM Telco/ISP
    NBN to reach 3.5 million more premises

    NBN to reach 3.5 million more premises

    Battery backup decision in May.
    James Hutchinson Mar 29 2012 1:23PM Telco/ISP
    Nextep expands to NBN

    Nextep expands to NBN

    Becomes 10th sub-wholesaler.
    Staff Writers Mar 28 2012 1:55PM Telco/ISP
    NBN Co to release three-year rollout plan Thursday

    NBN Co to release three-year rollout plan Thursday

    Milestone release.
    Staff Writers Mar 27 2012 5:03PM Telco/ISP
    Huawei NBN ban a "prudent" decision, expert says

    Huawei NBN ban a "prudent" decision, expert says

    China industrial relations expert says Huawei too close to Beijing.
    Darren Pauli Mar 26 2012 1:24PM Security
    Downer blasts Huawei links to cyber attacks

    Downer blasts Huawei links to cyber attacks

    Former foreign minister blasts NBN ban.
    Staff Writers Mar 26 2012 11:20AM Security
    Experts clash over Huawei's NBN ban

    Experts clash over Huawei's NBN ban

    Updated: Are links to cyber attacks 'prudent' or 'absurd'?
    Staff Writers Mar 26 2012 10:24AM Security
    Security fears see Huawei banned from NBN

    Security fears see Huawei banned from NBN

    Diplomatic storm brewing.
    David Binning Mar 24 2012 6:52PM Security
    Special Report: The iTnews Power Panel

    Special Report: The iTnews Power Panel

    Profiling the ten executives building Australia's next generation of data centres.
    Brett Winterford Mar 23 2012 4:11PM Storage
    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 Telco/ISP
    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

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