Several things became clear during the privatisation process of Telstra in the 00s. Broadband quality was below the international benchmark; end-user and wholesale prices were above that mark; and there was no economically viable business case for high-speed broadband infrastructure for regional and rural Australia. This is according to a recent Research and Markets report entitled "Australia - The National Broadband Network."
Several things became clear during the privatisation process of Telstra in the 00s. Broadband quality was below the international benchmark; end-user and wholesale prices were above that mark; and there was no economically viable business case for high-speed broadband infrastructure for regional and rural Australia.
At that time both sides of government were in favour of government intervention to rectify this situation. Telstra, however, was determined to maintain its monopoly and in the end the government had to step in. At the same time, because of the GFC, the government decided to change its broadband infrastructure plan from a regional to a national one. They also linked that to the development of the digital economy and launched supporting policies in e-commerce, e-health, e-education and smart grid, all aimed at utilising the NBN for those purposes.
The $36 billion plan includes a government investment of $27 billion and needs to be seen in the context of the $60 billion raised by the privatisation of Telstra.
The start of 2012 saw the conclusion of the structural separation and other regulatory issues associated with the rollout of the NBN. The ACCC also issued its wholesale conditions for the transitional period. Two months later NBN Co launched its rollout plan for the next three years, which showed that by the end of that period the NBN will be within the reach of close to four million households and businesses across the country.
This report provides financial and operational information regarding NBN Co's corporate plan, including forecasts covering the three years up to 30 June 2013. The plan outlines competitive pricing for wholesale broadband, including a basic service offering with a uniform national wholesale access price.
There is now also more detailed information becoming available from the Opposition and, while strong areas of disagreement remain, the reality is that, despite the possibility of a change of government in late 2013, the NBN is here to stay.
Publication Overview:
This report provides the very latest update on all the developments surrounding the NBN. It offers a wealth of information on infrastructure rollouts; contracts; wholesale and retail arrangements; legislative and regulatory issues; an overview of key players and stakeholders; the e-government, e-health and e-education sectors.
The report analyses the issues surrounding the growth of such services and includes global and regional information. Comprehensive information is provided on the exciting developments taking place at a regional level.
Subjects Covered Include:
- NBN moving into 2013
- Key developments for 2012
- FttH roll-out
- Government and opposition policies and regulations
- Wholesale, competition, pricing and products
- NBN Co, infrastructure and contracts
- Fixed wireless and satellite
- Industry in transition - Telstra and RSPs
- Municipal and community networks
- Market forecasts 2015, 2020
- Digital economy
- NBN pricing
For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/t5rj2g/australia_the_na
