Fri, 9th May 2008

Conroy to blame for broadband information delay

The Hon Bruce Billson MP
Shadow Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy

The only thing holding up the exchange of existing broadband network architecture information between potential bidders for a national fibre to the node broadband network is the dithering of Communications Minister Stephen Conroy.

Telstra has handed over vital network information to Senator Conroy's department, which would assist prospective bidders to develop and cost their proposals. The telco has also provided a draft confidentiality deed which it believes will protect its interest in the process.

If the minister agrees with its content or works with Telstra to develop a satisfactory alternative, the company is happy for its network material to be shared with other prospective bidders.

Despite Telstra's cooperation with the minister and his department, for some unknown reason, Senator Conroy remains fixated on a time consuming intervention which would depend on legislation being passed by parliament, which is designed to effectively force telcos to hand over information at the whim of the minister. The legislation is vague and will then depend on the use of yet to be specified disallowable instruments, which also must be approved by the parliament.

I am advised that Telstra has provided all network information asked of it, including details about existing exchanges, pillars and distances through ducts etc. While Senator Conroy likes to resort to pointing the finger at others for his broadband muddle, it is clear that the only person depriving bidders access to vital information to help them formulate their proposals is him.

It is obvious that Senator Conroy is totally out of his depth and as a result of his bumbling is making this process a lot more complicated than it need be.