While there are many things on Labor’s Policy agenda, implementing a national broadband network to deliver minimum speeds of 12 Mbps to 98 percent of Australians and improving broadband services for all Australians is top of its list.
Senator Stephen Conroy, the newly appointed Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy and a member of cabinet in the new Rudd Labor Government said the newly elected government will also “be focusing on the roll out of digital television and radio and restoring media diversity within Australia.”
In a statement to the press on his new position Conroy said his previous position as ‘Shadow Minister for Communications and Information Technology’ has helped prepare him for the role as the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.
Senator Conroy has worked closely with the industry to develop policies which he hopes will take “Australia’s communications sector into a new era of digital convergence”.
The Australian Computer Society has also thrown its weight behind Senator Conroy.
ACS President Philip Argy welcomed the new Federal Government’s continued commitment to the ICT portfolio and applauded the creation of Australia’s first ministry focused on innovation.
The Federal Government has unveiled part of its long-awaited broadband package, including almost $1 billion of new funding for Telstra’s biggest rival, Optus, to improve access and speeds in regional areas.
The Government will also set up a panel of 10 experts to assess rival bids for a high-speed broadband network in the major cities and big regional centres. While Telstra has missed out on the regional broadband funding, it is expected to be in the box seat to build a $4 billion fibre-optic network in the cities. However, the company may have to wait longer than the six weeks it has set down for a decision.
Telstra will also have to deal with the involvement of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, despite its hostile relations with the regulator. It is understood an ACCC official will be included on the panel. There will also be officials from Treasury, the Department of Communications, Information, Technology and the Arts and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
It is understood that Optus and its consortium partner Elders will get $600 million in funding under the Broadband Connect program. Optus will also be given $358 million to extend its 3G mobile network.
