Government Opens National Broadband Network Tender

The Federal government has released the Request for Proposals (RFP) to roll-out and operate the much-awaited National Broadband Network.

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“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”, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Senator Stephen Conroy said.

According to the Minister, the National Broadband Network will be designed to:

· deliver minimum download speeds of 12 megabits per second to 98 per cent of Australian homes and businesses;

· have the network rolled out and made operational progressively over five years using fibre-to-the-node or fibre-to-the-premises technology;

· support high quality voice, data and video services including symmetric applications such as high-definition video-conferencing;

· earn the Commonwealth a return on its investment;

· facilitate competition in the telecommunications sector through open access arrangements that allow all service providers access to the network on equivalent terms; and

· enable uniform and affordable retail prices to consumers, no matter where they live.

 

“The new network will change the way Australians communicate and do business, and demonstrates the priority this Government is giving to building Australia’s future,” Senator Conroy said.

The senator concluded by saying “The Government encourages interested parties to come forward with innovative proposals. These 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.”

According to the senator, the cut-off date for all proposals is July 25 2008.