One way or another, the time of deliberation and contemplating a new Australian FTTN network is almost over. Days have turned into months, political parties have changed office, and months will soon turn into years unless something is done shortly. We are still yet to see any real advancement toward obtaining a network tender, and although we’re not expecting a final decision to be made anytime soon, it’s appearing that something may give way shortly.
More importantly, is the need for major change and solutions to problems that indirectly affect a new network before it’s even built. These issues could appear in the form of endless litigation threats, anti competitive tactics & poor regulatory arbitration that bog down courtrooms, drive prices sky high and hinder the path of progress.
Stephen Conroy and the Rudd government have a potential major issue on their hands other than the huge costs and development behind producing a new national Broadband network. They have an issue facing them that could severely hamper the blueprint for a prosperous future in Australia’s Communications & Technology industry, and this resides with who wins the tender rights to build the new network.
If it’s not Telstra, then be prepared for all hell to break loose, especially if the government hasn’t taken appropriate measures to keep the lion on it’s leash. A new national Broadband network may be closer than we know? Then again who knows, we might see agenda for structural separation appear before we witness a new Australian Broadband Network?
He should then sit down, brew a pot of peppermint tea and redraw his policy objectives to give himself, and all Australians, the best chance of success. Something bold and radical needs to be done in the telecoms sector.
Telstra has the best information and its rivals want it released so they can compete fairly for the Government’s money. Conroy needs to rule on this.
Some have suggested the issue is so important the Government should seize control of pricing and access in order to break the nexus of the arbitrate-debate-litigate model that has not got the industry very far for 10 years.
Read the whole ‘FTTN decision can’t be rushed’ article at AustralianIT.com.au
