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Telecommunications Conroy names expert panel for fast-track FTTN network
Telecommunications Conroy names expert panel for fast-track FTTN network | Conroy names expert panel for fast-track FTTN network |
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| by Stuart Corner | |
| Tuesday, 11 March 2008 | |
  
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No timetable has been given for production of the RFP and responses to it, but subsequent to receipt of responses the panel will have eight weeks to prepare a report making recommendations on its preferred proposals, and Conroy said he hoped to have construction of the network underway before the end of the year. The Panel will be chaired by the secretary of the Department Of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (BCDE), Patricia Scott and will comprise: John Wylie, Lazard Carnegie Wylie CEO; Tony Mitchell, Allphones chairman; Laureate Professor Rod Tucker, University of Melbourne.; professor emeritus of communications, Reg Coutts, University of Adelaide; Tony Shaw, former Australian Communications Authority chairman and Dr Ken Henry Treasury secretary. The Panel will be supported by BCDE with support from other key departments and specialist advisors in on regulation and technical, legal and financial and commercial issues. The ACCC will provide advice on pricing and competition issues and deliver a written report to the panel. Further detail on the role of the ACCC will be set out in the RFP. Conroy said the government would invite submissions from interested parties on the appropriate policy and regulatory framework and he promised that: "The government will ... ensure that people who may not have access to the new fibre network will have access to the best new fixed line, wireless or satellite technology." Conroy also announced an additional $95 million in funding for the Australian Broadband Guarantee program in 2008-09, saying: "At the same time as it issues the RFP, the government will also call for comments on policy and funding initiatives to improve access to affordable broadband in these remote areas into the future." Conroy added: "The minister for education is progressing the Government's complementary 'Fibre Connections to the Schools' initiative. As a first step, this process will involve an audit of broadband access in all Australian secondary schools. |
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