SYDNEY -(Dow Jones)- The Australian government Friday called for proposals to build a multi-billion dollar national high-speed broadband network.
"The National Broadband Network will represent the single largest investment in broadband infrastructure in Australia's history," said Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Stephen Conroy.
"The Australian government has committed up to A$4.7 billion and to considering any necessary regulatory changes to enable the roll-out," he said.
Canberra wants to build a high-speed fiber-to-the-node or fiber-to-the-premises network in a public-private partnership within five years, which will enable the government to earn a return on its investment.
Analysts expect Telstra and SingTel to put in proposals to build the network, with other parties also likely to be interested.
The network will be operated on an open-access basis to allow all service providers to access the network, Conroy said.
The government's request for a proposal indicates the network will deliver minimum download speeds of 12 megabits per sector to 98% of Australian homes and businesses.
Proposals are due by July 25.
-By Lyndal McFarland, Dow Jones Newswires; 61-2-8235-2957; lyndal.mcfarland@dowjones.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
Posted to the site on 11th April 2008
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/30465.php