[AusNOG] Backhaul in regional areas

[Paul Brooks]

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):


  Fast-track for National Broadband Network in regional Australia

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.

"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.

"These are the broadband highways that connect our cities, towns and 
rural areas to the wider world."

"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."

"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."

Senator Conroy today released a stakeholder consultation paper to drive 
the regional backhaul initiative.

"High-speed broadband will revitalise our regions, provide new job 
opportunities, drive efficiency and improve the delivery of social 
services," Senator Conroy said.

"We want to work closely with all stakeholders and move quickly to make 
these investments."

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.

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.

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: www.dbcde.gov.au 
<http://www.dbcde.gov.au/communications_for_business/funding_programs__and__support/national_broadband_network/backhaul_blackspots_initiative>

*Date: 23 April 2009
Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457*


-- 
Paul Brooks               |         Mob +61 414 366 605
Layer 10 Advisory         |         Ph  +61 2 9402 7355
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