"While they have switched on their faster ADSL 2+ broadband service in recent weeks, they have only done so in exchanges where competitors are already offering fast broadband speeds."

There are no regulatory impediments to giving more Australians access to ADSL 2+ and Telstra cannot continue to "falsely claim" Government regulation stands in the way, Senator Coonan said. She called on Telstra CEO Sol Trujillo to take immediate action to increase the spread of fast broadband to more Australians.

"There are customers there for the taking and Telstra shareholders should urge the company to get on the front foot and take advantage of this, rather than let their competitors get there first. It appears Telstra is prepared to cut off its nose to spite its face when it comes to broadband."

Senator Coonan's comments came as she launched a Broadband Blueprint to provide a national framework for the future of broadband in Australia. The Broadband Blueprint builds on the work of the National Broadband Strategy Implementation Group and was developed in consultation with State, Territory and Local Governments through the Online and Communications Council.

The blueprint covers areas such as internet and broadband services, telework, spam, emerging voice services, online gambling and online content regulation.{moscomment}