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Australian Broadband Guarantee - for Consumers

The Australian Broadband Guarantee provides all Australian residents with access to broadband services that reasonably compare to broadband services available in metropolitan areas (metro-comparable).

Under the Australian Broadband Guarantee, a metro-comparable broadband service is defined as any service that offers a minimum 512kbps download and 128kbps upload data speed, 3GB per month data usage at a total cost of $2500 GST inclusive over three years (including installation and connection fees).

Broadband is a term used to describe fast, always-on access to the internet. This means having faster access to better multimedia services and applications, bigger data files and new communication services such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP). For more information about broadband click on Broadband for Consumers.

The choice of broadband service at your premises will largely depend on which broadband providers are operating in your area and what technology they are using. We have placed these broadband providers under four categories (see below). The category you are placed in once registered will determine your eligibility for a subsidised Australian Broadband Guarantee broadband service.

Category A - Under the Australian Broadband Guarantee, Category A internet service providers provide land-based commercial broadband service(s) such as ADSL or Wireless. If deemed Category A you are not eligible for a subsidised Australian Broadband Guarantee service as a commercial broadband service is already available that meets the metro-comparability standard outlined above.

Category B - Under the Australian Broadband Guarantee, Category B internet service providers provide subsidised land-based Australian Broadband Guarantee service(s) as part of this program. If deemed Category B you are eligible for a subsidised Australian Broadband Guarantee service.

Category C - Under the Australian Broadband Guarantee, Category C internet service providers provide subsidised upgrades to existing commercial broadband infrastructure or Australian Broadband Guarantee service(s) as part of this program. If deemed Category C you are eligible for an up-graded subsidised Australian Broadband Guarantee service.

Category D - Under the Australian Broadband Guarantee, Category D internet service providers provide subsidised satellite Australian Broadband Guarantee service(s) as part of this program. If deemed Category D you are eligible for a new or up-graded subsidised Australian Broadband Guarantee service.

You can check if broadband services are available in your area by registering your details on the Broadband Service Locator.

Once registered for the Australian Broadband Guarantee you will receive an information pack advising you of the metro-comparable broadband services that may be available to your premises.

If you have registered for an Australian Broadband Guarantee subsidised service (Category B, C or D) you will also receive a declaration form that you must complete and provide to your chosen registered internet service provider.

If you have any questions about the process, please contact the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy on freecall 1800 883 488 weekdays between 8.30 am and 5.00 pm (AEST) and a consumer support officer will be happy to assist you.

Further information for Internet Service Providers is available on the Australian Broadband Guarantee - for providers page.

  • Document ID: 72216 |
  • Last modified: 8 October 2008, 2:11pm