FED:Coalition plan for broadband

AAP General News (Australia)
08-10-2010
FED:Coalition plan for broadband

Coalition's $6.3 billion plan for broadband and telecommunications.

* Establish a national broadband commission to select private sector companies to build
and execute a national broadband and telecommunications network.

* Prepare a national broadband database detailing availability on a premises-by-premises basis.

* Establish a $750 million fixed broadband optimisation program to identify underserved
areas in outer suburban, rural and remote areas, and provide high-speed services to these
areas quickly.

* $1 billion for new fixed wireless broadband networks in rural and remote areas and
a further $1 billion for metropolitan networks, particularly in outer metropolitan areas.

To achieve 97 per cent high-speed broadband coverage by 2016.

* $700 million to fund new satellite services to the three per cent of the population
not covered by other technology.

* $2.75 billion to create a national fibre optic network accessible to any telecommunications
company to ensure lasting competition.

* Legislate to allow the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to set access pricing.

* Conduct a major review of the Universal Service Obligation framework to enhance consumer
protections.

* Conduct an urgent review of broadband connections to new housing estates, with any
new arrangements to be implemented by January 2012.

* Develop a more streamlined complaints handling process and support the Australian
Communications and Media Authority's inquiry into customer service and complaints handling
within the industry.

* Maintain the Do Not Call Register. Oppose extending it to business telephone numbers.

* $30 million to address mobile phone blackspots in urban and rural areas.

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