The federal government has finally begun its quest for a new national broadband network, today requesting proposals from interested parties.

"The National Broadband Network will represent the single largest investment in broadband infrastructure in Australia’s history. The Australian Government has committed up to $4.7 billion and to considering any necessary regulatory changes to enable the roll-out", said Senator Conroy.

Any proposed network must supply minimum speeds of 12Mbit/s to 98% of Australian premises and would be rolled out over a five year period. It would also "facilitate competition in the telecommunications sector through open access arrangements that allow all service providers access to the network on equivalent terms." Retail pricing for consumers must be uniform across Australia, and be "affordable".

The proposals "will be assessed by the Panel of Experts announced on 11 March 2008, who will then provide their recommendation to Government so that by the end of year the Government can announce the successful proponent and the new network build can then commence."

The government is also separately requesting submissions proposing "changes to existing telecommunications regulations, to facilitate the roll-out of the National Broadband Network", and also ideas for how to serve the remaining 2% of Australian premises that won't be covered by the new national broadband network.

Links:

• Government invites National Broadband Network proposals  (DBCDE, 11 Apr 2008)
• National Broadband NetworkRequest for submissions on regulatory issues  (DBCDE, 11 Apr 2008)