When asked about the fate of the HFC network under a Coalition Government and the existing agreement under the present Government with Telstra for its dismantlement, Mr Turnbull said that he was amazed that Australia's broadband policy was heading in the direction opposite to other governments in the world.
"Nowhere else is anyone considering lessening competition (by shutting down a broadband network)," Mr Turnbull said.
However, Mr Turnbull made it clear that there was little a future government could do to save the HFC network.
"Unless Telstra agrees to keep the network and give back the money…." he said with a grin.
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The answer from Mr Turnbull was not necessarily good news.
"The areas serviced by HFC are also serviced by DSL," he said.
For those of us premium users who will be disappointed by a downgrade in our service levels, Mr Turnbull offered the compensatory advice that for most Australians, the important thing is access to affordable broadband rather than headline speed.
Communications editor Graeme Philipson has posted a comprehensive overview of Mr Turnbull's address in a separate article.
