Conroy clarifies greenfields FTTH legislation

The Federal Government has released a position paper on the provision of fibre networks on greenfields housing developments. Comments are invited.

The Joint Committee on the National Broadband Network has concluded its investigation into the 'fibre in greenfields' legislation. It has recommended that the bill be passed, but has expressed concerns about its impact on the presently competitive market for fibring up greenfield developments. The dissenting Coalition members report says this is a fundamental flaw in the legislation.

Communications minister, senator Stephen Conroy, has promised to amend the Telecommunications Act to improve consumer protection.

Communications minister, senator Stephen Conroy, has released details of the rules that will govern the provision of fibre infrastructure in new developments from 1 January 2011.

Communications minister, senator Stephen Conroy, has released a discussion paper on proposals for the Universal Service Obligation reforms that will be needed if the agreement with Telstra over its role in the NBN is consummated.

Communications Minister Stephen Conroy has denied the Government plan to introduce internet filtering legislation was a waste of time or money, despite not having the numbers in the Senate to get it passed.

Communications minister senator Stephen Conroy has extended until 31 March 2012, the deadline by which Telstra must complete its structural separation. This takes the total extensions to 12 months, after a further six months legislation requiring Telstra to have instead completed functional separation will come into force.

Communications minister, senator Stephen Conroy has got himself involved in a dispute between people living and working around a proposed location for a new Telstra mobile network antenna.

Shadow Comms Minister Tony Smith today said the Opposition would not release a formal stance on the Government’s internet filtering plan until after legislation was released.