Minister welcomes NBN bids

Stephen Withers
Wednesday, 26 November 2008 11:46

IT Policy - Government Tech Policy

Communications Minister Stephen Conroy has welcomed the proposals to build the National Broadband Network (NBN) - "one of the largest infrastructure investments undertaken by any Australian Government" - but has warned contenders that they face "an extremely competitive assessment process."

The federal government has mooted the construction of a broadband network that will deliver at least 12Mbps to 98 percent of Australian homes and businesses.

Up to $4.7 billion will be pumped into the network by the government.

Bids have been lodged by Optus on behalf of the Terria consortium, and by Acacia.

Telstra has not submitted its bid, claiming there are "unresolved issues" in the government's request for proposals.

Instead, the company has provided the government with an outline of what it could have achieved.

"Today marks a significant milestone in the process to build Australia's National Broadband Network. Proposals have been delivered and competitive evaluation will now begin," said Conroy.
 
"The strong response from industry proponents is vindication of the Government's commitment to undertake a fair, open and competitive process," he added.

The proposals will be evaluated by an independent panel of experts appointed by the government and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

The minister said the government will not be discussing the substance of the proposals that have been received.