The Senate has just approved the pushing back of the $36 bn NBN until 2020, it has been confirmed.
Broadband Minister Senator Stephen Conroy
“The build has expanded,” he confirmed to the Senate hearing today.
The minister has reignited controversy on the proposed broadband network, producing a massive 23 pages long list of amendments to NBN legislation currently being debated in the Senate.
Conroy says the amendments will ensure the NBN operates as an open-access, wholesale-only network, to support vigorous retail-level competition for Australians.
But critics say Conroy’s amendments reveal NBN Co may end up with power to charge different prices for bush communities using wireless and satellite services than their city counterparts using fibreoptic cable.
That appears to go against assurances given to independent MPs last year that there would be uniform pricing across the country.
Many of the country’s leading telco’s including Telstra, Optus and TPG have all voiced criticism over the NBN.
Read ’23 Pages Of Amendments To NBN’ here
