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Conroy backs down on NBN RFP deadline
Telecommunications
Conroy backs down on NBN RFP deadline | Conroy backs down on NBN RFP deadline |
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| by Stuart Corner | |
| Thursday, 22 May 2008 | |
Australia's Communications minister Stephen Conroy has caved in to pressure from would be bidders for the National Broadband Network saying the July 25 deadline will be extended to a date 12 weeks beyond that on which all required network information becomes available.Featured Whitepaper
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Conroy confirmed that the information from Telstra was insufficient, but did not suggest that Telstra was being deliberately unco-operative, saying: "Telstra has provided some network information however despite its best efforts some information is not yet available." Meanwhile, legislation that would give the government power to demand information has yet to pas through parliament and even when it does pass, it sets out a complex regime under which bidders must go through a government intermediary to gain access to network information they claim to be necessary but which as not already been provided. This is likely to further delay access to all the information needed. Announcing the move, Conroy said: "In February, I wrote to carriers seeking the voluntary disclosure of network information. All carriers either have or are working towards providing this information in a timely manner and I welcome this cooperative approach." He added: "The provision of network information is vital to allow potential proponents to build the network to compete on an equal basis. The National Broadband Network represents this nation's single largest investment in broadband infrastructure. It is important that interested parties have adequate time to make use of information about existing infrastructure. For this reason the Government will ensure potential proponents will have 12 weeks to consider network information before being required to lodge their proposals. The Government will amend the request for proposals to reflect this timetable." |
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