NBN critics 'opportunistic': Conroy

Stephen Withers
Thursday, 21 May 2009 08:41

IT Industry - Market

Broadband Minister Stephen Conroy has again slammed National Broadband Network (NBN) critics, accusing them of opportunistic misrepresentation when claiming that towns of under 1000 people will automatically miss out on fibre.

The announced plan is to provide broadband access of at least 12Mbps to the entire population, with 90 percent getting 100Mbps through fibre to the premises.

"As a guide, this means that every town with a population of over about 1000 will be connected by fibre, Conroy told the Australian Telecommunications User Group (ATUG) regional conference in Canberra this morning.
 
"However, this does not mean that towns with under 1,000 people will automatically miss out – as has been claimed."

Conroy explained that locations with fewer than 1000 people "may well be connected by fibre if their proximity to relevant infrastructure is favourable."

So if you live in a small town that sits on or close to a backbone fibre connection, it is "very possible" that you will be offered fibre to the premises.

"In fact, Tasmanian Premier David Bartlett believes the rollout could reach towns with as few as 50 people," Conroy asserted.

Please read on for Conroy's allegation of opportunism.