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 paints unclear future for TransACT fibre, cable

    iiNet paints unclear future for TransACT fibre, cable

    Optus-style NBN deal unlikely.
    James Hutchinson Nov 22 2011 7:23AM Telco/ISP
    NBN Co appoints operations officer

    NBN Co appoints operations officer

    BT alumnus joins.
    Staff Writers Nov 21 2011 11:38AM Telco/ISP
    How ISPs will tempt you in the NBN era

    How ISPs will tempt you in the NBN era

    Comment: Five marketing tactics over the next decade.
    Cameron Craig Nov 18 2011 12:55PM Telco/ISP
    NBN Co's daunting construction task

    NBN Co's daunting construction task

    Comment: Contracts are in place but schedule slips.
    David Havyatt Nov 18 2011 12:55PM Telco/ISP
    NBN Co builds up fibre component stock

    NBN Co builds up fibre component stock

    Prepares for next phase of rollout.
    Ry Crozier Nov 15 2011 12:10PM Telco/ISP
    Syntheo snags $141m NBN construction win

    Syntheo snags $141m NBN construction win

    Now rolling out fibre in three states and territories.
    James Hutchinson Nov 14 2011 6:01AM Telco/ISP
    Telstra, Optus prepare to oppose tower bill

    Telstra, Optus prepare to oppose tower bill

    Carriers, industry organisation file last-minute submissions to inquiry.
    James Hutchinson Nov 11 2011 11:15AM Telco/ISP
    Optus feels price squeeze on fixed broadband

    Optus feels price squeeze on fixed broadband

    Eyes digital media booster.
    James Hutchinson Nov 11 2011 7:30AM Telco/ISP
    Optus outs trial NBN pricing

    Optus outs trial NBN pricing

    Backpedals on threats.
    James Hutchinson Nov 9 2011 7:30AM Telco/ISP
    NBN Co offers enhanced SLA to businesses

    NBN Co offers enhanced SLA to businesses

    One hour response, 12-hour restoration time to services for $15.
    James Hutchinson Nov 9 2011 7:25AM Telco/ISP
    Venture Consulting predicts patchwork NBN

    Venture Consulting predicts patchwork NBN

    Slipping chance the network will ever be completed.
    John Hilvert Nov 8 2011 7:39AM Telco/ISP
    Ericsson and Huawei score contracts for NZ NBN

    Ericsson and Huawei score contracts for NZ NBN

    Chinese networking vendor gets some NBN love.
    Juha Saarinen Nov 4 2011 4:33PM Telco/ISP
    AARNet eyes e-health NBN projects

    AARNet eyes e-health NBN projects

    Provides isolated broadband connections for research.
    James Hutchinson Nov 4 2011 11:59AM Telco/ISP
    NBN Co cuts broadband agreement to one year

    NBN Co cuts broadband agreement to one year

    Moves to address ISP, competition watchdog's concerns.
    James Hutchinson Oct 28 2011 4:28PM Telco/ISP
    LTE stirs mobile-only debate

    LTE stirs mobile-only debate

    Analysis: Fixed broadband a no-brainer in LTE world.
    Nicole McCormick Oct 28 2011 12:58PM Telco/ISP
    ACCC mulls interim determination on NBN access

    ACCC mulls interim determination on NBN access

    Pushes for undertaking soon.
    James Hutchinson Oct 26 2011 7:00AM Telco/ISP
    ACCC deal approval 'in Telstra's hands'

    ACCC deal approval 'in Telstra's hands'

    'No guarantees' on meeting deadline.
    James Hutchinson Oct 20 2011 6:30AM Telco/ISP
    Telstra vote a step forward for the NBN

    Telstra vote a step forward for the NBN

    Comment: Shareholders support the market to come.
    Paul Budde Oct 18 2011 1:20PM Telco/ISP
    Telstra proxy voters seal $11bn NBN deal

    Telstra proxy voters seal $11bn NBN deal

    Updated: Proxy votes seal deal approval.
    James Hutchinson Oct 18 2011 12:48PM Telco/ISP
    NBN Co names 28 new fibre locations

    NBN Co names 28 new fibre locations

    First year construction plan unveiled.
    Staff Writers Oct 18 2011 11:20AM Telco/ISP

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