Broadband network tender released

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On April 11, Australia’s federal government released its request for proposals to roll out and operate the country’s new high-speed broadband network. Companies wanting to bid must do so by July 25. Prospective bidders must also put up a non-returnable fee of A$5 million to particpate in the process and will be banned from talking about their bids.

Minister for Communications Senator Stephen Conroy (pictured, left) said: ““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.”

Those tendering must commit to delivering minimum download speeds of 12 megabits per econd to 98% of homes and businesses; have the network rolled out and made operational progressively over five years using fibre-to-the-node; support high quality video services; facilitate competition in the telecoms sector through open access arrangements allowing all service providers to access the network on equivalent terms and to earn the government a return on its investment.

There is up to A$4.7 billion in government funds available to the winning tender. Conroy said that the government wanted to announce the successful proponent by the end of 2008.


SourceL Rapid TV News

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