Aussie Gov't seeks views on mandating FTTP in 'greenfield' developments

Stuart Corner
Sunday, 31 May 2009 12:14

IT Industry - Strategy

The Australian Government has started a consultation process on its proposal to make provision of fibre to the home mandatory in all new 'greenfield' residential developments from 1 July 2010, and has issued a consultation paper.

The proposal was flagged in the Government's April 7 announcement of its $43 billion plan to take fibre to 90 percent of Australian homes and businesses over eight years.

Releasing the consultation paper, communications minister, Stephen Conroy said: "There is evidence that the installation of Fibre-to-the-Premises technology increases the value of homes in greenfield estates. In the US, a Fibre-to-the-Home Council survey found that a direct fibre connection adds more than $US5000 to the value of a home. It is counter-productive to have our newest homes and businesses not using the most advanced broadband technology. This practice will lead to higher costs when copper wires need to be replaced by fibre."

He added; "Forward-thinking property developers are already moving to provide [FTTP] and avoid costly retro-fitting as fibre broadband becomes the standard...A number of local governments around Australia are already using their planning powers to encourage the rollout of FTTP in new greenfield estates. The Rudd Government wants to support these initiatives and make sure this best practice approach is replicated nationwide."

The discussion paper says that overall, the available information suggests that FTTP is currently being deployed in around 120 greenfield estates in Australia with a total of about 150,000 homes. "There are more than 10 operators now installing FTTP in greenfield estates and a number of service providers using this infrastructure to offer services at the retail level." i

The consultation paper is available here. Responses are due by 12 June.