Conroy seeks comment on FTTP legislation

Communications minister, senator Stephen Conroy, has released a position paper on the subordinate legislation that will give operational effect to the fibre in greenfields Bill. In particular it clarifies the development threshold that will determine which projects are captured when the legislation comes into effect.

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 released details of the rules that will govern the provision of fibre infrastructure in new developments from 1 January 2011.

Communications Minister Stephen Conroy says government will delay the mandatory roll-out of fibre to greenfield housing developments for six months until January 1, blaming the Opposition for the industry uncertainty the delay will create.

The Federal Government is moving ahead with virtualisation faster than the private sector according to Ann Steward, the Government CIO, as it seeks an ICT trifecta of increased productivity, efficiency and sustainability.

Communications Minister Stephen Conroy this morning released the Federal Government’s Digital Economy Strategy, a document which aims to lay out a vision for how the nation will best take advantage of the Government’s flagship National Broadband Network project.

The Federal Government this morning released the long-awaited corporate plan outlining how NBN Co plans to build and operate its planned fibre network over the next decade and more, including tantalising details such as the promise of a uniform national wholesale price for 1Gbps fibre broadband for close to $150 per month.

The Federal Government will push to get its stalled telecommunications reform bill passed this year, and says the Opposition will be held to account for any delays and cost escalations for the National Broadband Network if the legislation is held up.

On the same day it released its public discussion paper on Australia’s digital future, the federal government has acknowledged what it says is the “pressures brought about by the advent of digital technologies” in the terms of reference for its independent media inquiry announced today by Minister Conroy.