[Greens-Media] Media Release: Regional Roll-Out Essential for Broadband Success

[Simms, Robert (Sen S. Ludlam)]

Monday, 15 December, 2008

Regional Roll-Out Essential for Broadband Success

The Greens say the Federal Government must only award the tender for its
broadband plan to a company that guarantees coverage in the regions,
following the announcement of Telstra's exclusion this morning.

"In opposition Labor promised to provide broadband coverage to 98% of
Australia - yet we've had a situation where  Telstra was  expressing
interest in the network but  talking about leaving more than ten per
cent of the population out in the cold. "

Telstra reported to the Australian Securities Exchange this morning that
it had been excluded as its tender did not meet some of the project
requirements. 

"In remote and regional Australia in particular, broadband
infrastructure is essential for access to employment, educational and
social opportunities. The Government has a responsibility to protect the
interests of these communities." 

"The best outcome would be for the government to take a majority equity
stake in the National Broadband Network to ensure it's operated in the
public interest," concluded Senator Ludlam. 

For more information or media enquiries please call Robert Simms on 0417
174 302


Robert Simms
Media Adviser to
Senator Scott Ludlam
Australian Greens Senator for Western Australia

Sitting weeks: Tel: 02 6277 3467 | Fax: 02 6277 5821 
S1.36, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600

Non-Sitting weeks: Tel: 02 6277 3566 | Fax: 02 6277 3185
SG111, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600

Mobile: 0417 174 302  

www.scottludlam.org.au <http://www.scottludlam.org.au/>