National broadband plan back on track

The Government’s national Broadband plan is back on track – with city users tipped to be logging onto the superfast broadband service as early as April 2009.

The Government’s National Broadband plan is back on track – with city users tipped to be logging onto the superfast broadband service as early as April 2009. The 4.7 billion network is already six months behind schedule, however industry analysts tip the network could be up and running within six months if Telstra were to win the contract and if a hold was placed on extending the service to poorly serviced regional areas.

Last week 13 telecommunications carriers submitted their network information to the Government for consideration. The information gathered includes details of the current network infrastructure allowing contractors to later deliver a more accurate bid for the process of rolling out the new highspeed internet.

Final submissions will be accepted in December with the Government expected to announce the winning tender by April. It is expected that the first services from the new network will also be deliverable later that month.

According to The Australian, Senator Conroy has declined to comment on when first services could be expected, however analysts have commented it could be an immediate roll out.

“If Telstra win the bid, it will switch it on straight away in April,” telecommunications analyst Paul Budde said. “That is, of course, if the Government goes for a quick fix instead of an innovative and open access solution.”

Source: The Australian IT