Call for submissions on broadband solutions for remote areas

On 11 April 2008, the Minister called for submissions on policy and funding initiatives to provide high speed broadband to the estimated two per cent of premises that are unlikely to receive a service under the National Broadband Network. enhanced access to broadband services to rural and remote areas. On 15 July 2008, the Minister announced the publication of submissions received. These submissions are available here.

Submissions will be considered by the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee, led by Dr Glasson AO, and by the Government in determining appropriate options to improve telecommunications in rural and remote areas of Australia.

This consultation process is in parallel to the Request for Proposals for the National Broadband Network and seeks to explore options for those remote areas outside the coverage of the network.

The Government has also committed $270.7 million for the Australian Broadband Guarantee for the next four financial years. Guidelines for the next phase of the Australian Broadband Guarantee were released on 1 July 2008 and are available here.

• Document ID: 82962 |
• Last modified: 15 July 2008, 11:52am