Telecommunications
National Broadband Network
In
2009, the Australian Government committed to deliver superfast
broadband to Australian homes and workplaces through a new National
Broadband Network (NBN). A key component of the NBN is the provision
of transmission links to a number of regional centres where there is
currently a lack of competitive backbone infrastructure (“blackspots”).
AgForce
partnered with the Central Western Queensland Remote Area Planning and
Development Board (RAPAD) in a submission in response to the
Government’s consultation paper regarding the Backhaul Blackspots
Initiative.
In July 2009, the Government announced that backbone
links will be built to a number of locations, including Emerald and
Longreach , as a priority. Click here to see a map of the Regional Backbone Blackspots Program in Queensland and the Northern Territory.
This work is being undertaken by Nextgen Networks, a subsidiary of the Leighton Group.
It is expected that further backbone links will be announced by the Federal Government shortly.
The
National Broadband Network will provide superfast broadband of 100mbs
for 90 percent of the population via optical fibre, while the remaining
10 percent of the population (in communities of 1000 people or less) is
provided with a service of 12mbs via a mixture of next generation
wireless and satellite. (The Federal Government had previously
promised a service of 12mbs to 98% of the population.)
AgForce passed the following resolutions in July 2009:
“That AgForce ask NFF to allocate priority to telecommunications issues, particularly the debate surrounding the National Broadband Network as a matter of urgency.”
“That AgForce support the Australian Government’s policy to deliver superfast broadband of 100mbs to 90% of the population via optic fibre, and 12 mbs to the remaining 10% via a mixture of next generation wireless and satellite, and that such services be provided at a price comparable to that charged in metropolitan centres.” (AgForce executive, July 2009)
Where to from here?
There are several issues coming up in the next few months which need to be addressed to deliver satisfactory telecommunication services to rural, remote and regional Australia.
These include:
- The roll-out of optic fibre links
- The roll-out of fibre optic networks
- Legislative reforms.
AgForce submissions
To read AgForce's submissions on Backhaul Blackspots and the National Broadband Network please login via the Members Login button (located at the top right of the screen).
Remote Area Planning and Development Board’s submission on Backhaul Blackspots
AgForce submission - Regulatory Reform for 21C Broadband
Wendy Brownscombe
Phone (07) 3236 3100
Fax:(07) 3236 3077
Email Wendy
Australian Government
Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
National Broadband Network