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.

    • Telstra split bill passes Senate

    Telstra split bill passes Senate

    Structural separation gets the green light.
    Liz Tay Nov 26 2010 1:32PM Telco/ISP
    Ludlam plea to Coalition to debate Telstra bill

    Ludlam plea to Coalition to debate Telstra bill

    Slow progress.
    Ry Crozier Nov 25 2010 3:45PM Telco/ISP
    Broadband alliance fears major NBN cost blowout

    Broadband alliance fears major NBN cost blowout

    Finance figures tested.
    Ry Crozier Nov 25 2010 3:32PM Telco/ISP
    iPrimus signs up Smithton school to NBN

    iPrimus signs up Smithton school to NBN

    New 100 Mbps service.
    Staff Writers Nov 25 2010 11:36AM Telco/ISP
    Fielding, Xenophon back Telstra split bill

    Fielding, Xenophon back Telstra split bill

    Vote anticipated today.
    Ry Crozier Nov 25 2010 7:19AM Telco/ISP
    NBN Co to build wireless network from late 2011

    NBN Co to build wireless network from late 2011

    Expedited plan revealed.
    Ry Crozier Nov 24 2010 3:42PM Telco/ISP
    Gillard to reveal NBN plan "summary"

    Gillard to reveal NBN plan "summary"

    New document created from the secret plan.
    Ry Crozier Nov 24 2010 2:04PM Telco/ISP
    NSW Govt to appoint chief NBN negotiator

    NSW Govt to appoint chief NBN negotiator

    For State asset access.
    Ry Crozier Nov 24 2010 12:35PM Telco/ISP
    Senate allows Telstra bill to progress

    Senate allows Telstra bill to progress

    Government passes second hurdle.
    Ry Crozier , Brett Winterford Nov 24 2010 11:41AM Telco/ISP
    Xenophon reserves Telstra split bill judgement

    Xenophon reserves Telstra split bill judgement

    Favours structural separation of Telstra.
    Ry Crozier Nov 24 2010 6:27AM Telco/ISP
    Xenophon emerges from Gillard NBN meeting

    Xenophon emerges from Gillard NBN meeting

    Working 19-hour days to cut through "mess".
    Ry Crozier Nov 23 2010 5:31PM Telco/ISP
    Conroy refuses to release Greenhill study of NBN plan

    Conroy refuses to release Greenhill study of NBN plan

    Tests Coalition patience.
    Ry Crozier Nov 23 2010 3:35PM Telco/ISP
    Government announces another NBN Inquiry

    Government announces another NBN Inquiry

    Committee features 50 percent ALP Ministers, plus Oakeshott.
    John Hilvert Nov 23 2010 3:27PM Telco/ISP
    Conroy exits Coalition-dominated Telstra debate

    Conroy exits Coalition-dominated Telstra debate

    Opponents ask why Australia needs 100 Mbps speeds.
    Ry Crozier Nov 23 2010 1:59PM Telco/ISP
    Coalition "outrage" at Greens NBN deal

    Coalition "outrage" at Greens NBN deal

    Productivity Commission caught in middle.
    Ry Crozier Nov 22 2010 1:03PM Telco/ISP
    Greens hobble proposed NBN sell-off

    Greens hobble proposed NBN sell-off

    Put to parliamentary vote.
    Staff Writers Nov 22 2010 10:51AM Telco/ISP
    Greens see red on NBN NDA

    Greens see red on NBN NDA

    Seven years too long.
    Staff Writers Nov 21 2010 10:54PM Telco/ISP
    Telstra wants NBN agreement for Christmas

    Telstra wants NBN agreement for Christmas

    Faces Senate hurdle.
    Ry Crozier Nov 19 2010 1:23PM Financial Services
    Abbott loses NBN-led censure motion

    Abbott loses NBN-led censure motion

    Gillard survives.
    Ry Crozier Nov 18 2010 3:39PM Telco/ISP
    Libs to re-introduce Turnbull bill in Senate

    Libs to re-introduce Turnbull bill in Senate

    Tries to strong-arm Labor into making NBN plan public.
    Ry Crozier Nov 18 2010 3:13PM Telco/ISP

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