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Looks like Conroy has received the message about competitive regional
fibre - this press release this afternoon (note another very short
reponse time for submissions - only 2-and-a-bit weeks):<br>
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<h1>Fast-track for National Broadband Network in regional Australia</h1>
<p>The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy,
Senator Stephen Conroy, today announced steps to fast-track the
National Broadband Network in regional Australia.</p>
<p>"We are moving to immediately improve the competitive market in
regional Australia and are fast-tracking a $250 million investment in
backbone fibre optic transmission links," Senator Conroy said.</p>
<p>"These are the broadband highways that connect our cities, towns and
rural areas to the wider world."</p>
<p>"In parts of Australia particularly links connecting our rural and
regional areas competition is limited as there is only a single
provider of these services."</p>
<p>"This $250 million investment demonstrates how serious we are about
immediate improvement for services in regional and rural Australia and
will contribute to the immediate stimulus impact of the National
Broadband Network."</p>
<p>Senator Conroy today released a stakeholder consultation paper to
drive the regional backhaul initiative.</p>
<p>"High-speed broadband will revitalise our regions, provide new job
opportunities, drive efficiency and improve the delivery of social
services," Senator Conroy said.</p>
<p>"We want to work closely with all stakeholders and move quickly to
make these investments."</p>
<p>The ACCC has confirmed that places with only a single provider of
backhaul services include: Geraldton in Western Australia, Mt Gambier
in South Australia, Broken Hill in New South Wales, Mildura in
Victoria, Mt Isa in Queensland, and Darwin in the Northern Territory.</p>
<p>This is an indicative list and the consultation provides
stakeholders the opportunity to help identify and prioritise regional
locations for investment. It also asks for comment on technical
parameters associated with the rollout and arrangements for funding,
the delivery of services and the ownership of the infrastructure.</p>
<p>Submissions to the consultation paper are due by Tuesday 12 May
2009. A competitive tender process will be commenced shortly after.
Copies of the consultation paper are available online at: <a
href="http://www.dbcde.gov.au/communications_for_business/funding_programs__and__support/national_broadband_network/backhaul_blackspots_initiative">www.dbcde.gov.au</a></p>
<p><strong>Date: 23 April 2009<br>
Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457</strong></p>
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<pre class="moz-signature" cols="86">--
Paul Brooks | Mob +61 414 366 605
Layer 10 Advisory | Ph +61 2 9402 7355
-------------------------------------------------------
Layer 10 - telecommunications strategy & network design</pre>
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