Saturday, December 21, 2013

Copper condition curtails cut-price NBN's great leap forward | ZDNet

Copper condition curtails cut-price NBN's great leap forward | ZDNet: "China may have landed a robot rabbit on the moon — well done, by the way — but here in Australia, it seems we've already gone way beyond that. Our entire telecommunications executive demographic has gone completely post-lunar, rocketing itself deep, deep into the derposphere.

If only we had the technology to fire them all the way into the sun, because after the glorious comedy that was the public hearing (PDF) conducted by the Senate NBN Select Committee in Sydney on Tuesday — all it needed was a laugh track — there was ample proof that they'd qualify for passage on the B-Ark. Most of them, anyway.
We had previously learned that NBN Co reckoned it would be impossible to deliver the broadband coverage and schedule promised by the Coalition government. In the very first hour of the hearing, we learned that it wouldn't guarantee the promised speeds, either. The discussion was "robust", as they say. There was blood in the water, and committee chair and former Communications Minister Senator Stephen Conroy was circling.
During the course of the day, we learned that NBN Co had downgraded its estimate of how many premises would be passed in its fibre rollout this quarter because of Christmas. Well, Christmas just sneaks up, doesn't it? There's no way they could have predicted that."

'via Blog this'

Friday, December 20, 2013

NBN alternatives: fibre to the node or HFC cable?

NBN alternatives: fibre to the node or HFC cable?: "A third of Australian homes will connect to the internet via pay TV cables under the latest national broadband network proposal.
After scrapping the plan to run fibre to 93 per cent of premises, the government initially proposed switching many homes to fibre to the node – using the copper phone lines to cover the last few hundred metres. Now it supports a multi-technology mix with roughly an even split between fibre to the premises, fibre to the node and the existing hybrid fibre-coaxial (HFC) pay TV cable.
Fibre to the node will struggle to offer more than 50 megabits-per-second (Mbps) in the near future but could eventually reach 100 Mbps, depending on the condition of your copper line. Cable already offers the 100 Mbps speeds promised by fibre to the premises. Unfortunately cable is highly susceptible to congestion and regularly grinds to a halt for some users.
The multi-technology mix model increases the number of homes on the cable networks, but proposes upgrades to boost speeds and reduce congestion. Even then, cable might still be more prone to neighbourhood congestion than fibre to the premises."

'via Blog this'

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

NBN Co to bring fibre-like uplink speeds to copper - Telco/ISP - Technology - News - iTnews.com.au

Might bring it, but will copper deliver?

NBN Co to bring fibre-like uplink speeds to copper - Telco/ISP - Technology - News - iTnews.com.au: "NBN Co intends to seek upload speeds on the fibre-to-the-node network that mirror those achievable on a fibre-to-the-home connection.

Head of strategy and transformation, JB Rousselot, told a Senate Select Committee yesterday that "expert advice" received from the Boston Consulting Group as part of the strategic review suggested that uplink speeds on FTTH could be matched on FTTN.

"The assumptions that we've put in [are that] all sizes of the FTTN products will deliver the same type of uplink speed that are currently offered on the FTTH products," he said."

'via Blog this'

No guarantees on NBN download speeds: Switkowski | ZDNet

The digital divide worsens


No guarantees on NBN download speeds: Switkowski | ZDNet: "Although Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull went to the 2013 federal election promising minimum download speeds of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) for all Australians by 2016, NBN Co executive chairman Dr Ziggy Switkowski said that the company will not be making any such guarantees.

In the press release accompanying NBN Co's strategic review released last week, NBN Co said it would be designing a "new-look NBN" to provide the guaranteed speeds to NBN Co's wholesale customers, while end-user speeds will depend on factors outside of NBN Co's control, including end-user equipment quality, software, broadband plans, and the ISPs.

The result means that although NBN Co would offer the retail service providers a minimum speed, it would not guarantee that the speeds achieved at the end user's premises might be substantially lower than that."

'via Blog this'

NBN Co sneaks out gigabit speeds | ZDNet

Found out today that I have that speed to my wall. -Tom

NBN Co sneaks out gigabit speeds | ZDNet: "NBN Co delivered on its promise of making 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) download speed services available on the National Broadband Network (NBN) fibre network before the end of 2013, but the company did not announce the availability of the service until questioned about it by a Senate Select committee.

The 1Gbps down, 400Mbps up service sells at a wholesale price of AU$150 per month, excluding the connectivity virtual circuit capacity charge. NBN Co executive chairman Dr Ziggy Switkowski revealed that NBN Co had met its April promise to have the plans in the market by the end of 2013. He said the services were made available to retail service providers this week, but that he had not made any announcement to the public.

"I'm not aware that we've made an announcement. We're not expecting to be bowled over," Switkowski said."

'via Blog this'

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

NBN trounced by regional offering from locals with an eye for enterprise | Technology | theguardian.com

NBN trounced by regional offering from locals with an eye for enterprise | Technology | theguardian.com: "As arguments on the national broadband network continue, some people have taken matters into their own hands

More than 15 years ago, an optic-fibre cable was laid from Sydney to Melbourne. It went through public and private land, up hill and down dale at a time when ordinary users and businesses were only starting to understand the potential of the great, rambling beast known as the internet.
When it came to our area, a community-minded farming family refused to let the cable be laid through their farm land unless a connection was made to our local town.
For years, the cable lay idle and its ownership changed as local business, council and community groups tried to figure out a way to use it without pouring in great chunks of capital not available to a country town."

'via Blog this'

Saturday, December 14, 2013

HFC in the National Broadband Network | Simon Hackett

HFC in the National Broadband Network | Simon Hackett: "HFC, the NBN, and the meaning of life

With the release of the NBNCo Strategic Review earlier this week, I’ve seen some very significant misunderstandings (and consequent angst) expressed about the inclusion of HFC into the mix of technologies intended for the NBN rollout.

This post is intended to be a counterpoint to those misunderstandings.

I haven’t written this post to tell you that this is the best, or the only, way to change the shape of the future version of this network.

I haven’t written this because I’ve stopped believing that the best ultimate answer wherever possible is Fibre-To-The-Premises (FTTP) – because it still is."

'via Blog this'

Friday, December 13, 2013

Here's The Full NBN Co Strategic Report | Gizmodo Australia

Here's The Full NBN Co Strategic Report | Gizmodo Australia: "ancy a bit of lunchtime reading? Malcolm Turnbull dropped 134-pages of NBN report on us today. Get into it right here.

The full report is being hosted on NBN Co’s website (PDF).

Here are a few headline points to come out of the report:

• The Fibre-To-The-Node rollout has been canned for existing Hybrid-Fibre Coaxial cable networks in the Telstra and Optus footprint, with optimisation to take place on these networks to improve existing speeds

• Bill Morrow, former CEO of Vodafone, is the new CEO of NBN Co.

NBN Co will miss its national 25Mbps roll-out target of 2016, instead pushing the roll-out date back to 2019.

The new NBN roll-out plan will cost $41 billion."

'via Blog this'

NBN strategic review: By the numbers | ZDNet

NBN strategic review: By the numbers | ZDNet: "The release of NBN Co's strategic review puts the company on the path for a massive change in the rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN), but the justification for the proposed changes have relied on a re-estimation of the current project. ZDNet has compared the new figures with those NBN Co prepared prior to the election.

Prior to the election, NBN Co was preparing a new corporate plan detailing the current state of the network rollout, and an indication of the expected cost for the network.

The table below contains the information contained in the leaked draft compared to the information NBN Co released today of the revised forecast and the new proposed NBN plan."

'via Blog this'

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Turnbull to release NBN review Thursday

Turnbull to release NBN review Thursday: "Nearly two weeks after receiving it, Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull will release a censored (‘redacted’) version of the NBN Strategic Review tomorrow (Thursday)
In a dramatic twist, the document will be released to selected journalists in a lockup similar to that used on budget day, giving them access to the documents under embargo two hours before they are publicly released, at around 1pm.

Turnbull has long called for greater transparency around NBN information, and has accused the former Government of not releasing all NBN documents. The ALP has accused Turnbull of sitting on the document too long and of tailoring it to suit the Government’s agenda.

Meanwhile the Labor dominated Senate Committee on the NBN called NBN executives back before it to appear today, a move Malcolm Turnbull described as ‘disruptive’."

'via Blog this'

In-home FttN wiring testing needed, costly: NBN Co | ZDNet

In-home FttN wiring testing needed, costly: NBN Co | ZDNet: "Connecting customers to a fibre-to-the-node (FttN) National Broadband Network (NBN) will require testing of in-home wiring and a network termination device (NTD) that costs more than the equivalent NTD in the current fibre-to-the-premises (FttP) rollout, NBN Co warned the incoming government in an assessment of the three possible scenarios for NTD deployment.


The quality of in-building copper can significantly impact FttN performance: NBN Co.
(Image: CC BY-SA 3.0 Adamantios)
The assessment — contained in a confidential report prepared by NBN Co for the incoming government's "blue book" at the request of the now Department of Communications — warns that "FttN-based services will require in-house remediation as well as incur a modem cost that exceeds the cost of equivalent fibre-based end-user equipment".

A one-off credit for new installations "may be warranted" to ensure that the cost of end-user connections isn't too high, the report suggests."

'via Blog this'

NBN Co execs to be hauled before Senate committee | ZDNet

NBN Co execs to be hauled before Senate committee | ZDNet: "Several key NBN Co executives have been ordered to appear before the Senate Select Committee on the National Broadband Network (NBN) tomorrow, after they once again declined to appear before the committee.

In a press release this afternoon, acting NBN Co chair and former Communications Minister Stephen Conroy said that NBN Co's head of strategy JB Rousselot, chief operating officer Greg Adcock, chief technology officer Gary McLaren, and chief financial officer Robin Payne were invited a week ago to appear before the committee.

Although the committee had changed the date to avoid a conflict with an NBN Co board meeting, Conroy said that NBN Co informed the committee that the executives had declined to appear tomorrow."

'via Blog this'

Sunday, December 8, 2013

FttN NBN needs customers more than coverage: NBN Co report | ZDNet

FttN NBN needs customers more than coverage: NBN Co report | ZDNet: "Fibre-to-the-node (FTTN) technology might be faster to deliver in its early days than fibre-to-the-premise (FTTP) technology, a confidential NBN Co report has advised, warning that lower revenues from the Coalition's national broadband network (NBN) strategy mean "it will be important to prioritise activations over...any coverage objective."


Viability of the Coalition's FttN model depends on maximising customer density, not its speed: NBN Co. Image: CC BY-SA 3.0, David B King
“While FTTN architectures typically have a reduced construction period compared to the rollout of FTTP architectures, ramping up to a volume rollout of FTTN architecture will take time,” the report – prepared by NBN Co during the caretaker period to form part of the incoming government brief given to incoming communications minister Malcolm Turnbull – warns."

'via Blog this'

Coalition’s NBN already in trouble, says leaked report

Coalition’s NBN already in trouble, says leaked report: "An internal NBN Co document says the Coalition’s fibre to the node (FTTN) policy is inadequate and unlikely to be completed on time.
NBN Co executive chairman Ziggy Switkowski is unlikely to have an easy time of it when he fronts the Labor-dominated Senate Committee today (story follows).
Fairfax Media has published details of an internal NBN Co analysis which says the Coalition’s FTTN strategy, which Switkowski strongly supports, is poorly planned and is unlikely to be completed on time or on budget. The report also says that its revenue will be much less than predicted, mainly for those reasons.
The paper was prepared as part of the so-called ‘blue book’, which departments typically prepare as a briefing document for incoming governments.
“There are a number of conditions that will impact on NBN Co’s ability to undertake a volume network rollout,” Fairfax quotes the report as saying. “Given the complexity of these conditions, it is unlikely that NBN Co will meet the 2016 deadline to upgrade the fixed network to enable Australians to have minimum download speeds of 25 Mbps.”."

'via Blog this'

Friday, December 6, 2013

One gigabit available on NBN this month

One gigabit available on NBN this month: "NBN Co will start selling a one gigabit per second (1Gbps) broadband service before the end of the year, but availability will depend on the number of people willing to pay for the super fast speeds.

The commercial-grade broadband service will travel at download speeds of up to 1000 megabits per second [Mbps], also known as a gigabit, and upload speeds of 400 Mbps. This was about 100 times faster than the average speeds available to most households on the copper network today.

An NBN Co spokesman confirmed on Friday the service "will be made available to retail service providers by the end of the year", but that it was up to retail service providers to decide whether they would sell it to customers.

There were currently about 250,000 households and businesses within NBN Co’s fibre footprint that could potentially request the service. "

'via Blog this'

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Junior telcos tie knot in NBN Co copper plan • The Register

Junior telcos tie knot in NBN Co copper plan • The Register: "Another day, another stick in the spokes: the Competitive Carriers Coalition (CCC) has taken exception to reports that NBN Co isn't interested in owning Telstra's copper network under the government's fibre-to-the-node network rollout.

The CCC's announcement will further complicate what's looking like a Gordian knot made of copper cables that almost nobody wants. Telstra is quite fond of the contract it signed with the former government and NBN Co to retire the copper for a fee; the minister believes that should mean Telstra would be willing to renegotiate its contract, even though there's no public evidence that's the case.

NBN Co doesn't want the copper, partly because it doesn't want to forever carry the can for every Speedtest.net result that gets posted on the Internet to complain about poor performance, and partly because it doesn't want the cost of maintenance to suck a billion-dollar hole in its budget.

Trying to work its way through the puzzle set by the government, the Australian Financial Review reported that NBN Co told the incoming government it would be better to rent the copper than to take ownership of it."

'via Blog this'

Quigley says NBN has no time to spare

Quigley says NBN has no time to spare: "Former NBN chief Mike Quigley has made a spirited defence of NBN Co’s achievements under his leadership. The hard work has been done, he says.
But he also says that the new management has no time to spare, even with its less ambitious program.

Quigley was head of NBN Co from its inception in 2009 until he saw the writing on the wall and resigned in July 2013. He handed over to Dr Ziggy Switkowski two months ago.

Now, in his first major address since leaving the job, he has strongly defended NBN Co’s achievements under Labor, and delivered some sideswipes on what has replaced it. Malcolm Turnbull and the Coalition Government would do well to listen to what he has to say."

'via Blog this'

NBN Co can't guarantee Libs' 50Mbps speed promise: report | ZDNet

NBN Co can't guarantee Libs' 50Mbps speed promise: report | ZDNet: "NBN Co would be unable to offer a guaranteed 50Mbps broadband service under the Coalition's alternative model for the national broadband network, NBN Co has warned in confidential briefing papers prepared for incoming communications minister Malcolm Turnbull.

The limitation is due to the unknown performance characteristics of the VDSL2 technology upon which the Coalition's broadband policy is based. VDSL2's real-world performance is based on the still-unknown condition of Telstra's copper network and the distance of any particular subscriber from the closest network node.


Rather than guaranteeing 50Mbps, internal report warns, NBN Co's 'best effort' service would be the only way to guarantee high speeds under FttN. Image: CC BY-SA 3.0, Secondarywaltz
These performance characteristics, the report warns, mean customers using the Coalition's NBN model could only realistically be offered two guaranteed speeds: 12Mbps (with 1Mbps uploads) and 25Mbps (with 5Mbps uploads)."

'via Blog this'

Senate to force Turnbull to publish NBN Review - Delimiter

Senate to force Turnbull to publish NBN Review - Delimiter: "news Labor and the Greens are likely to team up in the Senate today to force Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull to publish next Monday the full Strategic Review which will guide the future of the National Broadband Network project.
The Strategic Review is being led by NBN Co’s Board and executive management. Its primary objective is to evaluate both the current NBN operational and financial performance as well as the timing, financials and product offers under alternative models of delivering very fast broadband to homes and businesses across Australia. Its recommendations will help shape the Government’s decisions regarding the future of the project.
Last week, NBN Co executive chairman Ziggy Switkowski told the NBN Senate Select Committee that the company would deliver the Strategic Review to the Federal Government yesterday. This timeframe is in keeping with a pledge by Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull that the review would be developed within 60 days of NBN Co having a new management team.
A spokesperson for Turnbull this morning confirmed the report had not yet been delivered. When it was, they said, it was likely to be in draft form. After the Government had time to consider the draft, a final version would be produced.."

'via Blog this'

Former NBN Co boss Mike Quigley warns Government review not to rewrite history - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Former NBN Co boss Mike Quigley warns Government review not to rewrite history - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation): "The former head of the National Broadband Network has warned the new management team not to rewrite history in its review of the NBN.

Mike Quigley was chief executive of NBN Co, the company rolling out the network, between 2009 and his retirement in October this year.

His replacement, former Telstra chief executive Ziggy Switkowski, is in the middle of a strategic review of the entire company.

It is investigating the viability of the former Labor government's fibre to the premise (FttP) approach.

The Coalition's fibre to the node (FttN) alternative takes the fibre to street cabinets and then uses the legacy copper network for the last link to the home.

FttP provides ultimately faster speeds, although an FttN network would be cheaper and completed faster."

'via Blog this'

NBN Co advised against buying Telstra’s copper

NBN Co advised against buying Telstra’s copper: "Former NBN Co executives urged the incoming Coalition government to rent, rather than buy, Telstra’s copper network as part of a plan to change the national broadband network rollout.

An analysis of the Coalition’s broadband policy by the company, and obtained by Fairfax Media, warned it could be saddled with more than $1 billion in annual maintenance costs and face millions more in technology upgrades if it took control of the existing copper network.

The Coalition government is planning to connect nodes on street corners with fibre optic cabling and use the ageing phone lines to roll out faster broadband to homes and businesses the rest of the way.

It is currently attempting to renegotiate the $11.2 billion agreement with Telstra to gain access to the network, with Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull indicating a preference for buying the assets. But NBN Co said Telstra should maintain control of the copper network, and continue to repair it, while leasing it to NBN Co."

'via Blog this'

Coalition to release NBN review by year end

Coalition to release NBN review by year end: "The government will refuse to comply with an order from the Senate to make public the strategic review handed to it by NBN Co before parliament rises next week, and has pledged instead it will be released by the end of the year.

Labor is expected to support a motion moved in the upper house by Greens senator Scott Ludlam later on Tuesday to compel the government to table the report by Monday December 7.

The 60-day review, carried out by NBN Co and its new chairman Ziggy Switkowski, is expected to test the feasibility and projected costs of communications minister Malcolm Turnbull’s plans to have 25 megabits per second broadband for every house by 2016.

But a spokesman for Mr Turnbull said the government was not likely to comply with the order and will publish selected parts of the review in its own time."

'via Blog this'

Monday, December 2, 2013

NBN debate in urgent dose of rollout reality

NBN debate in urgent dose of rollout reality: "OPINION

None of the NBN rollout targets - on either side of politics - look achievable, says analyst Tony Brown.

NBN Co Executive Chairman Ziggy Switkowski admitted last week that it would be a “very, very demanding” task for the company to meet Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s aim of delivering 25 megabits per second via fibre-to-the-node national broadband network to all Australian homes by end-2016 – you can almost hear Turnbull’s Labor predecessor Stephen Conroy still chortling from here.

But Conroy should not laugh too hard after all, at the end of his six-year tenure as Communications Minister in June, it had become abundantly apparent that he was simply never going to be able to deliver on his promise of delivering a nationwide fibre-to-the-premise network to 12.2 million premises by 2012 either.

The bottom line – as Dr Switkowski told the Senate Select Committee on the NBN last week – is that the entire NBN project has been bedevilled by the imposition of “heroic targets” – none of which have even come close to being met."

'via Blog this'

Sunday, December 1, 2013

NBN strategic review won't be made public today | ZDNet

NBN strategic review won't be made public today | ZDNet: "The Coalition government is expecting to receive a draft of NBN Co's strategic review today, but the document will not be made public until it has been finalised with commercial in confidence information censored, the office of Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull has confirmed.

Today marks 60 days since Turnbull tasked NBN Co under executive chairman Ziggy Switkowski to commence a strategic review into the rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN), and a potential way forward for the company responsible for the rollout.

Although Turnbull has pledged a new level of transparency for the NBN, a spokesperson for Turnbull told ZDNet that the government would receive an advanced draft of the report from NBN Co today, but that this document would not yet be made public."

'via Blog this'

NBN faces "high risk" from FttN-related IT development: NBN Co | ZDNet

NBN faces "high risk" from FttN-related IT development: NBN Co | ZDNet: "NBN Co will need to undertake a “high-risk” IT systems redevelopment project so extensive and complex that it threatens the ability of the Abbott government to meet its fibre-to-the-node (FttN) rollout targets, the company has warned in official advice to new communications minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Significant expenditure on supporting IT systems has already accompanied the rollout of Labor's fibre-to-the-premises (FttP) model, with contracts such as a $200m deal with IBM, a $38m splash on Cisco Systems routers and firewalls and $9.5m spent on Cisco data-centre equipment supporting the extensive operational support systems and business support systems (OSS/BSS) necessary to keep the $37.4 billion network running."

'via Blog this'

NBN not as cheap, not as soon – but it will be slow

NBN not as cheap, not as soon – but it will be slow: "NBN chief Ziggy Switkowski is already casting doubts on the Malcolm’s Turnbull’s promise to finish the network sooner and at a lower cost.
On Friday the Senate Committee on the NBN questioned a reluctant Ziggy Switkowski on the second day of its first hearing. Even before the first NBN review, due later today, is published, Switkowski has cast doubts on whether costs can be contained or the implementation schedule met. Both were key issues in the election campaign, with the Coalition continually criticising Labor over cost overruns and the time it was all taking.

Switkowski now says it will be hard to meet Malcolm Turnbull’s 2016 deadline for connecting all premises in Australia to the largely FTTN network, confirming what he said at the recent Senate Estimate Committee hearings"

'via Blog this'

Friday, November 29, 2013

Coalition’s NBN already in trouble, says leaked report

Coalition’s NBN already in trouble, says leaked report: "An internal NBN Co document says the Coalition’s fibre to the node (FTTN) policy is inadequate and unlikely to be completed on time.
NBN Co executive chairman Ziggy Switkowski is unlikely to have an easy time of it when he fronts the Labor-dominated Senate Committee today (story follows).

Fairfax Media has published details of an internal NBN Co analysis which says the Coalition’s FTTN strategy, which Switkowski strongly supports, is poorly planned and is unlikely to be completed on time or on budget. The report also says that its revenue will be much less than predicted, mainly for those reasons.

The paper was prepared as part of the so-called ‘blue book’, which departments typically prepare as a briefing document for incoming governments.

“There are a number of conditions that will impact on NBN Co’s ability to undertake a volume network rollout,” Fairfax quotes the report as saying. “Given the complexity of these conditions, it is unlikely that NBN Co will meet the 2016 deadline to upgrade the fixed network to enable Australians to have minimum download speeds of 25 Mbps.”"

'via Blog this'

Govt unlikely to hit NBN deadline: Report | ZDNet

Govt unlikely to hit NBN deadline: Report | ZDNet: "The government's 2016 delivery deadline for the National Broadband Network (NBN) looks likely to be blown out, according to a leaked internal NBN Co document.

The Coalition has promised to deliver 25 megabits per second (Mbps) broadband services to all homes by 2016, but a brief to the incoming government, obtained by Fairfax Media, says construction and technical issues mean that may not happen.

"There are a number of conditions that will impact on NBN Co's ability to undertake a volume (fibre-to-the-node) network rollout," the report states.

"Given the complexity of these conditions, it is unlikely that NBN Co will meet the 2016 deadline to upgrade the fixed network to enable Australians to have minimum download speeds of 25Mbps."

In addition to raising issues about timing, the document also cuts revenue projections by up to 30 percent by 2021."

'via Blog this'

Confidential briefing: NBN unlikely to meet Coalition's deadline

Confidential briefing: NBN unlikely to meet Coalition's deadline: "The Coalition’s national broadband network model will prove inadequate for many businesses, is poorly planned and is unlikely to be completed on time, according to NBN Co’s internal analysis for the incoming Abbott government.

Obtained by Fairfax Media, the analysis casts doubts over the timing and cost-effectiveness of the government’s proposed fibre-to-the-node model, highlighting numerous legislative, construction and technical challenges likely to blow out the Coalition’s 2016 and 2019 delivery deadlines.

Dr Ziggy Switkowski, executive chairman of NBN Co, during Budget Estimates at Parliament House. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
The draft document also slashes revenue projections important for the project’s commercial viability by up to 30 per cent by 2021.

Under the Coalition policy, fibre optic cables would be installed to nodes, or street cabinets. From there, existing copper wires would complete the connection to homes and businesses."

'via Blog this'

Copper pits for NBN a "disgrace": Union

Copper pits for NBN a "disgrace": Union: "The union representing Telstra field staff estimates up to 80 per cent of the telco's "disgraceful" copper-wire network pits have been patched together by plastic bags or ring-barked cables.

It's the very same copper network NBN Co plans to buy or lease off Telstra for the fibre-to-the-node national broadband network (NBN) being championed by the Abbott government.

"This would be a fraud on the Australian taxpayer," CEPU NSW assistant secretary Shane Murphy told a Senate hearing on the NBN in Canberra on Thursday.

Mr Murphy said 75 to 80 per cent of Telstra's copper pits were as rotten as the pictures he brought to the Senate committee, which showed the ageing network being crudely held together by ring-barked cables and covered by plastic bags in a vain attempt to keep water out.

Advertisement
"This is the exact network that will be sitting outside there, tying into the NBN that is built to the node," he said."

'via Blog this'

NBN revenue to be hit by triple-whammy | The Australian

NBN revenue to be hit by triple-whammy | The Australian: "OFFICIALS from the Department of Communications have admitted that the National Broadband Network will take a triple-whammy revenue hit because of changes to the project's technology and rollout plans.

Speaking before the Senate Select Committee on the National Broadband Network, first assistant secretary Mark Heazlett acknowledged the need for revisions to the NBN Co corporate plan to account for revenue declines brought on by increased competition from other networks and an inability to sell higher-speed broadband plans.

The Coalition is changing the rollout of the NBN from a plan that under Labor promised to connect a fibre optic network to 93 per cent of the nation's homes and businesses."

'via Blog this'

Monday, November 25, 2013

Mixed messages on Telstra copper complicate FttN NBN case | ZDNet

Mixed messages on Telstra copper complicate FttN NBN case | ZDNet: "Despite strong declarations over the years that it is both an absolute disgrace and a shining example of legacy infrastructure, Telstra's copper remains the subject of great confusion – with mixed messages from Malcolm Turnbull, NBN Co, Telstra and others confirming that nobody really knows whether Telstra's pivotal copper access network (CAN) is up to the task of delivering next-generation broadband or not.

Detractors have certainly had their say: iiNet CTO John Lindsay recently said parts of the network were "dilapidated" and many others have followed suit – including recent NBN Co board appointee Simon Hackett, who has previously harangued Telstra's "blackmail" of the NBN; argued for government ownership of Telstra's CAN; said Telstra will ultimately control how the Coalition's policy is rolled out; turned to Clarke & Dawe to explain the Coalition's NBN policy; and in April this year delivered a speech entitled 'The Problem with FttN'."

'via Blog this'

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Telstra copper network 'robust': NBN chief

Telstra copper network 'robust': NBN chief: "Telstra's decades-old copper network continues to "perform robustly", new NBN chairman Ziggy Switkowski says.

Dr Switkowski, who was Telstra chief executive for five years from 1999, says the copper network - the oldest part of which is 50 years old - is still working well.

"Here I default back to my own history ... It's constantly being maintained, remediated, upgraded," he told a Senate estimates hearing on Tuesday.

However, he said he was relying on anecdotal information as he hadn't received any official information from Telstra recently."

'via Blog this'

NBN Co invites RSPs to take part in fibre-to-the-building pilot - retail service providers, national broadband network, nbn co, Fibre to the building, NBN Co deal - Computerworld

NBN Co invites RSPs to take part in fibre-to-the-building pilot - retail service providers, national broadband network, nbn co, Fibre to the building, NBN Co deal - Computerworld: "NBN Co has sent out expressions of interest (EOI) to all of its retail service providers (RSPs) today to take part in a three-month fibre-to-the-building (FTTB) pilot which will start in January 2014 across Australia.
The EOI was issued under the auspices of the company’s product development forum. All RSPs who have signed a wholesale broadband agreement with NBN Co are members of the forum. RSPs have until 29 November to respond to the EOI.
According to NBN Co, up to 10 large office complexes and apartment blocks comprising a total of approximately 1000 homes and offices will receive the FTTB service.."

'via Blog this'

Monday, November 18, 2013

Internode to use NBN tower to stream music festival - internode, NBN - ARN

Internode to use NBN tower to stream music festival - internode, NBN - ARN: "Internode will be using an NBN tower to live stream the performance of The John Butler Trio in high definition at South Australia’s iconic Gorgeous Festival.

“Although the site for Gorgeous has no direct NBN access, we’re connecting to the NBN via a relay tower to a site around 500 metres away that does have NBN access,” Internode content manager, Heidi Angove, said.

The third annual two-day Gorgeous Festival is set in South Australia’s McLaren Vale wine region and will also be held at the Serafino Winery grounds.

Kicking off on Friday November 22, the festival will kick off with the John Butler Trio and Eskimo Joe will also be the top bill on Saturday November 23. Internode will stream both of the shows and full event details are available here."

'via Blog this'

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Coalition NBN Reportedly Won't Start Rolling Out Until 2015 | Gizmodo Australia

Coalition NBN Reportedly Won't Start Rolling Out Until 2015 | Gizmodo Australia: "The Coalition’s fibre-to-the-node network is meant to be completed in 2019 — two years ahead of the proposed finish-date for the previous government’s fibre-to-the-home NBN. A source has revealed, however, that the new FTTN network may not start rolling out again until at least 2015."

'via Blog this'

Copper network not 'ageing': Telstra | ZDNet

Copper network not 'ageing': Telstra | ZDNet: "Summary: Telstra's managing director of wholesale, Stuart Lee, has defended the company's copper network, stating that Telstra has replaced parts of the network when required."

'via Blog this'

Thursday, November 14, 2013

NBN Satellites nearly full

NBN Satellites nearly full: "NBN Co’s interim satellites are reaching full capacity and the government-owned company has started turning away new customers in rural Victoria. These customers must rely on existing broadband infrastructure until NBN Co launches two custom-made satellites in 2015.

Satellite beams covering NSW, Tasmania and Queensland were also close to capacity, while those covering central and western Australia had some space left.

NBN Co only has enough space for 48,000 customers nationally on its interim satellite and has already connected 42,044 premises, according to figures released this week.

However, the new satellites would have capacity for 200,000 customers, and download speeds of up to 25 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds of 5 Mbps. "

'via Blog this'

Monday, November 11, 2013

Hackett picked for NBN Co board | ZDNet

Hackett picked for NBN Co board | ZDNet: "Telecommunications industry veteran, and Internode founder Simon Hackett will join the board of NBN Co, along with ex-Telstra executive Justin Milne and NBN Co's former head of construction Patrick Flannigan, Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull has announced.

Turnbull said in the release that the trio were "well-established industry figures with lengthy careers in telecommunications, broadband, and the deployment of linear infrastructure".

Hackett has long put forward proposals to NBN Co for how to improve the rollout and design of the network, from better ways to connect customers to the network, to an alternative pricing model that will encourage uptake of services on the network. His appointment comes close to two years since Hackett sold his Adelaide-based ISP Internode to iiNet, and joined the iiNet board as a non-executive director in August 2012."

'via Blog this'

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Existing premises behind surge in NBN uptake | ZDNet

Existing premises behind surge in NBN uptake | ZDNet: "A surge in the uptake of services on the National Broadband Network (NBN) in the last five months has been thanks to a large increase in activations for existing housing premises, according to the latest round of weekly rollout data provided by NBN Co.
The company yesterday released the second of its new weekly rollout information, revealing that in the last week, an additional 12,130 premises were passed by the fibre network, including 7,926 brownfields premises and 2,100 greenfields premises, to bring the total premises passed by fibre to 304,840, with 232,017 of those able to order a service on the NBN.
Retailers activated a total of 2,632 services for the week, including 2,100 on the fibre and 532 on the satellite and wireless networks. There are now a total of 109,862 premises connected to the NBN."

'via Blog this'

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

NBN poaches Telstra's Greg Adcock to become COO | The Australian

NBN poaches Telstra's Greg Adcock to become COO | The Australian: "The NBN Co has hired another former Telstra executive to oversee the company's construction operations.

Greg Adcock, a 20-year Telstra veteran, will now be the company's chief operating officer following the immediate departure of previous COO Ralph Steffens.

At Telstra Mr Adcock was the executive charged with delivering on Telstra’s infrastructure commitments under the ‘definitive agreements’ between NBN Co and Telstra."

'via Blog this'

Microsoft urges rethink of NBN plan | Sky News Australia

Microsoft urges rethink of NBN plan | Sky News Australia: "Software giant Microsoft says the Abbott government should reconsider its national broadband network (NBN) policy.

The former Labor government's fibre-to-the-home plan is superior to the coalition's cheaper policy of running optical fibres to street exchanges, Microsoft Australia managing director Pip Marlow says."

'via Blog this'

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

NBN Co introduces weekly roll-out metrics; posts significant operating losses — Trenchless Australasia — The official magazine of the ASTT, covering no-dig trenchless technology

NBN Co introduces weekly roll-out metrics; posts significant operating losses — Trenchless Australasia — The official magazine of the ASTT, covering no-dig trenchless technology: "NBN Co recently began publishing detailed data and updated website maps to open up Australia’s largest infrastructure project to more transparency.

NBN Co recently began publishing a weekly report charting the progress of the roll-out. Previously the company published quarterly updates.

A table containing the information will be posted each week on the NBN Co website here. The data is correct as at the Sunday of the week preceding its release."

'via Blog this'

Asbestos setback may hit NBN profit | Business Spectator

Asbestos setback may hit NBN profit | Business Spectator: "The NBN Co has indicated the potentially widespread impact the discovery of asbestos contamination could have on the National Broadband Network (NBN), suggesting it could hit profits, cause cost blowouts and lead to potential litigation, according to The Australian.

“The presence — or potential presence of asbestos — could significantly increase network build costs as well as lead to potential litigation and related costs,” NBN Co said, according to The Australian.

The admission came in a decision by NBN Co to reject a Freedom of Information request by the newspaper that would have detailed the impact the asbestos contamination issue has had, and could have in the future, on the NBN's rollout."

'via Blog this'

NBN Co Wants New Telstra Deal | Gizmodo Australia

NBN Co Wants New Telstra Deal | Gizmodo Australia: "It was always going to happen following the Coalition’s election win, now it’s official. The National Broadband Network Company (NBN Co) wants consultants to steer it through a new deal with Telstra by mid-next year.

The previous deal hammered out between NBN Co and the nation’s largest copper network provider was worth a whopping $11.2 billion.

Now the NBN Co wants a new deal to be sealed by June 30, 2014.

The new deal will likely have to specify use terms for the copper network under the new fibre to the node framework the Coalition took to the election."

'via Blog this'

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Huawei eyes opportunities beyond 'that' NBN bid - Networking - Technology - News - iTnews.com.au

Huawei eyes opportunities beyond 'that' NBN bid - Networking - Technology - News - iTnews.com.au: "Network equipment supplier Huawei is "extremely disappointed" with the new government's decision to keep it out of the National Broadband Network, but says its business success has "never" been dependent on winning any such work anyway.

Chairman John Lord urged staff to "hold their heads up high" and to "be proud to be Huawei", despite the NBN setback."

'via Blog this'

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Telstra sues NBN Co over AU$11bn deal | ZDNet

Telstra sues NBN Co over AU$11bn deal | ZDNet: "Telstra is taking NBN Co to the New South Wales Supreme Court over claims that the government-owned company has wrongly valued the AU$11 billion deal.

After two years of negotiations, NBN Co and Telstra struck a deal in 2011 that would lease Telstra's pit and ducts infrastructure to NBN Co for the rollout of the fibre-to-the-premises National Broadband Network (NBN) and pay Telstra to shift its customers from the copper network over to the NBN.

Although the agreement was signed by the two companies in mid-2011, Telstra shareholders did not approve the deal until the Annual General Meeting in late 2011."

'via Blog this'

NBN's new leader may be in a takeover mood - The Drum (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

NBN's new leader may be in a takeover mood - The Drum (Australian Broadcasting Corporation): "NBN head honcho Ziggy Switkowski will have to negotiate with the company he used to run for the use of its copper network - and the evidence suggests might be looking to buy it outright, writes Alan Kohler.

The NBN has the potential to significantly transform not only the Australian telecommunications industry, but the social and economic landscape of our country.
Together, we are delivering a nation-building project and we should all be very proud of that.
- Ziggy Switkowski, NBN executive chairman, in a memo to staff yesterday.
Ziggy Switkowski was an interesting choice to take over the NBN. Telstra basically sacked him nine years ago for having too ambitious a growth strategy; his troop-rallying words in the staff memo yesterday suggest that he's not short of ambition for the new telecommunications company that he's now in charge of either."

'via Blog this'

NBN Co begins weekly rollout updates | ZDNet

NBN Co begins weekly rollout updates | ZDNet: "NBN Co has begun publishing weekly updates on the status of the rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN), revealing that 35,000 premises have been passed by the fibre network since the federal election.

Late last night, the company removed all information about premises that could expect construction to commence in their area in the next three years, instead disclosing information only about areas where construction is already underway and areas that are ready for service.

NBN Co did not comment on the sudden change, but this afternoon announced that it would begin its shift from quarterly updates on the progress of the rollout to weekly updates."

'via Blog this'

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

NBN Co posts annual loss of nearly $1 billion - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

NBN Co posts annual loss of nearly $1 billion - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation): "The company building the national broadband network has posted a loss of nearly $1 billion for last financial year.

The NBN Co's annual report has just been released, and shows its total loss has grown to $903 million.

The company, which is chaired by former Telstra boss Ziggy Switkowski, made revenue of nearly $66 million."

'via Blog this'

Monday, October 28, 2013

NBN Co expands NBN to 10,600 premises in Tasmania - Telecompaper

NBN Co expands NBN to 10,600 premises in Tasmania - Telecompaper: "The Australian government company rolling out the National Broadband Network, NBN Co, has switched on the network for an additional 10,600 premises across Tasmania. In Launceston, 4,300 premises can now access the NBN via fibre while some 6,300 premises in rural and remote areas can access the network via 4G fixed-wireless technology. NBN Co says that Tasmania is set to be the first state in Australia to be fully connected to the NBN by the end of 2015."

'via Blog this'

Sunday, October 27, 2013

NBN Co picks consultants for review

NBN Co picks consultants for review: "NBN Co has selected three consulting firms, Deloitte, KordaMentha and Boston Consulting Group, to help it complete its 60-day strategic review. 
The three firms were selected for different reasons, NBN Co said in a statement on Friday afternoon. The request for consultancy proposals was issued last week.
‘‘Deloitte will provide governance and program management office services to ensure the Strategic Review fits within the parameters and tight deadline for submission set by the Government, KordaMentha will contribute to the analysis of the current NBN operational and financial performance, Boston Consulting Group will participate in the review of the timing, financials and product offers under alternative models for delivering very fast broadband.’’ 

'via Blog this'

Saturday, October 26, 2013

NBN Co picks 'turnaround experts' for company review | ZDNet

NBN Co picks 'turnaround experts' for company review | ZDNet: "NBN Co has picked three consulting firms to help the company undertake its 60-day strategic review of the National Broadband Network (NBN) rollout in light of the change of government.

Despite a claim last month from Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull that consulting firms would not be producing the 60-day review into NBN Co's operations, the company has today announced that Deloitte, KordaMentha, and Boston Consulting Group have been appointed to advise NBN Co through the 60-day review of the company."

'via Blog this'

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

NBN Co's Kaiser shafted for ex-Telstra exec Rousselot | ZDNet

NBN Co's Kaiser shafted for ex-Telstra exec Rousselot | ZDNet: "The controversial Labor-picked NBN Co head of quality, Mike Kaiser, will leave the organisation effective immediately, after executive chair Dr Ziggy Switkowski announced that he would be replaced by ex-Telstra executive and friend of Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull, JB Rousselot.

Rousselot had long been expected to take on a role with the company, after he left his executive director of media role at Telstra in May this year to return to France. Rousselot will join the company in the new role of head of strategy and transformation, leading the company through its 60-day review to be completed by early December."

'via Blog this'

Monday, October 21, 2013

NBN review team looks like old Telstra board • The Register

NBN review team looks like old Telstra board • The Register: "The strategic review into Australia's National Broadband Network commissioned by the nation's new government is starting to look like a Telstra alumni party, with the carrier's former CEO Ziggy Switkowski (now NBN Co chairman) being advised by yet-another former executive of the incumbent.

The Australian Financial Review reports that former Telstra BigPond boss Justin Milne has been brought into NBN Co, and is working with former Telstra Digital Media executive director JB Rousselot on the review, due November 22.
The government's strategic review is designed to give the government a plan for implementing its network plans, which would largely replace the original fibre-to-the-home National Broadband Network with fibre-to-the-node, where that can be done without breaching existing construction contracts."

'via Blog this'

Saturday, October 19, 2013

iiNet's NBN customers chose higher speed plans - Telecompaper

iiNet's NBN customers chose higher speed plans - Telecompaper: "About 70 percent of customers of Australian ISP iiNet that have National Broadband Network (NBN) connections have chosen plans that offer faster speeds than the 12 Mbps minimum. Speaking at the CommsDay Melbourne Congress, iiNet's chief technology officer John Lindsay said the company has over 20,000 NBN customers, ZDNet reports. More than 60 percent of the NBN customers were new customers for iiNet, many of them in NBN-connected greenfields estates."

'via Blog this'

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Dodo announces NBN pricing | ZDNet

Dodo announces NBN pricing | ZDNet: "Dodo has finally revealed its National Broadband Network (NBN) pricing, making it the cheapest NBN retail service provider (RSP) by a very slim margin, and has included an "unlimited" plan for less than AU$60 per month.

Announced on Wednesday, the M2-owned telco has services starting at AU$29.90 for 10GB of data (5MB on peak and 5MB off peak) on line speeds of 12/1Mbps, and goes up to AU$89.90 for 2TB of data (1TB on peak and 1TB off peak) on 100/40Mbps. Its "unlimited" offering is for the 12/1Mbps line speed, and is available for AU$59.90. The plans do not include the connection fee, ongoing line rental, and cost of the modem. Dodo has also said that for an extra AU$15 per month, end users can extend the off-peak data on any of its plans to also be unlimited."

'via Blog this'

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Fast broadband critical to future of education: teachers - MOOC, education, learning, Simulation, teaching, virtual reality, NBN, broadband - CIO

Fast broadband critical to future of education: teachers - MOOC, education, learning, Simulation, teaching, virtual reality, NBN, broadband - CIO: "The NBN could be a transformational tool for teaching, according to educators who spoke at the Connected Australia conference this week.

After connecting to the NBN in the McLaren Vale, South Australia, Willunga High School improved student attendance and engagement in learning, according to the school’s principal Janelle Reimann.

The NBN was a “catalyst in changing our teaching and learning practice,” she said."

'via Blog this'

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

NBN construction model failed, says Conroy - Delimiter

NBN construction model failed, says Conroy - Delimiter: "Ex-Communications Minister Stephen Conroy has acknowledged that the private contractor model which NBN Co attempted to use in its national fibre rollout has failed due to the inability of the company’s partners to deliver on their commitments, in an admission which again raises the possibility of Telstra being brought back in to assist with the rollout.

In every other country currently conducting nationwide telecommunications infrastructure rollouts, the company’s incumbent telco, which historically has owned the nationwide copper network, is involved in a pivotal fashion in also conducting the upgrades to that infrastructure, often with government assistance. In the UK, for instance, BT’s Openreach division is conducting a major fibre to the node-based network rollout; in NZ Zealand it’s a new division, Chorus, split off from Telecom New Zealand, in Germany it’s Deutsche Telekom, and so on."

'via Blog this'

Fast broadband critical to future of education: teachers - MOOC, education, learning, Simulation, teaching, virtual reality, NBN, broadband - Computerworld

Fast broadband critical to future of education: teachers - MOOC, education, learning, Simulation, teaching, virtual reality, NBN, broadband - Computerworld: "The NBN could be a transformational tool for teaching, according to educators who spoke at the Connected Australia conference this week.

After connecting to the NBN in the McLaren Vale, South Australia, Willunga High School improved student attendance and engagement in learning, according to the school’s principal Janelle Reimann.

The NBN was a “catalyst in changing our teaching and learning practice,” she said."

'via Blog this'

Monday, October 14, 2013

Telstra must fix "dilapidated" copper for Libs' FttN NBN: iiNet | ZDNet

Telstra must fix "dilapidated" copper for Libs' FttN NBN: iiNet | ZDNet: "“Absolutely enormous” difficulties in getting Telstra to fix copper network faults confirm the value of fault-free fibre networks, iiNet’s chief technology officer has argued while outlining the company’s efforts to accommodate the new Coalition government’s FttN strategy and expected legislative changes."

'via Blog this'

Sunday, October 13, 2013

4K video streaming will choke Malcolm's NBN

4K video streaming will choke Malcolm's NBN: "According to Netflix’s US CEO, Reed Hastings – naturally a self-interested proponent of 4K video streaming – “with H.265 hardware compression 4K video streaming is not ‘too bad’ at 15Mbps but if you have around 50Mbps you will be fine.”
Australian techies say he is dreaming – streaming a 4K movie at the lower speeds is like trying to swim thorough molasses - it could take 50 hours to buffer and play at 15Mbps."

'via Blog this'

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Back-to-the-future Coalition fails its own NBN tests: Husic | ZDNet

Back-to-the-future Coalition fails its own NBN tests: Husic | ZDNet: "The new Coalition government has hypocritically failed to meet its own expectations in appointing Ziggy Switkowski as new CEO of NBN Co, Labor MP Ed Husic has argued in a broad-reaching address in which he promised the Coalition will be held to account “every step of the way” on its claim that 9 million homes will be connected to its NBN by the end of 2016.


Addressing the CommsDay Melbourne Congress, Husic – who stood in as opposition communications spokesperson while the Labor Party's formal oppositionstructure is still up in the air – lambasted the Coalition’s moves to return to the policies of a Howard government that he said had “struggled to come up with a cogent broadband plan”."

'via Blog this'

Push for action on network

Push for action on network: "The telecoms industry wants Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull to be quick and decisive as he considers what to do with the national broadband network.

With no more information likely to emerge about the project until around Christmas - when a 60-day review is completed - there were questions about jobs and investment at the annual CommsDay industry conference in Melbourne on Tuesday."

'via Blog this'

TPG Telecom fibre optic plan not threatened by ACCC | Fool Australia

TPG Telecom fibre optic plan not threatened by ACCC | Fool Australia: "As I reported in this article, TPG Telecom (ASX: TPM) has announced plans to start rolling out fibre to the basement (FTTB). The brilliance of this plan is that now that the NBN is not going to be fibre to the premises, there is no reason that customers would ever bother switching to the NBN.

TPG has some major competitors that could also roll out optical fibre to buildings. Telstra (ASX: TLS), Singapore Telecommunications’ (ASX: SGT) Optus and iiNet (ASX: IIN) all own fibre infrastructure. However, once a building is connected to fibre, there is little reason why another company would duplicate the connection. That’s why some commentators suggested the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) might have an issue with the plan."

'via Blog this'

Australians pick cheaper broadband, quality over fast speeds | ZDNet

Australians pick cheaper broadband, quality over fast speeds | ZDNet: "Speed of broadband services ranks low in the priorities of both Australian businesses and consumers, according to two surveys released today.

An Australian Industry Group survey of 170 businesses in the manufacturing, services, construction, and mining industries released today showed that 75 percent of respondents see high-speed broadband as being important to their business, but the quality and cost of the service rates higher than the download and upload speeds. A total of 40 percent of the users said that quality of service is important, while 30 percent ranked costs and access pricing highest, with 15 percent focusing on upload and download speeds."

'via Blog this'

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Quality, reliability has priority on NBN speed | The Australian

Quality, reliability has priority on NBN speed | The Australian: "BUSINESS wants its broadband services to be reliable and cheap before simply being fast, as almost 40 per cent of businesses report their broadband is inadequate.

An Australian Industry Group report due to be released today, The Business End of Broadband: What Businesses Want from High-Speed Broadband, found 44 per cent of surveyed businesses believed the priorities for a high-speed broadband service such as the NBN were quality and reliability.

Thirty per cent nominated access and connection costs, 15 per cent said upload and download speeds and 10 per cent said the timeframe for a rollout."

'via Blog this'

Monday, October 7, 2013

Shift thinking on NBN: Google boss

Shift thinking on NBN: Google boss: "Google's new Australian boss Maile Carnegie has expressed frustration that the broader economic benefits of the national broadband network are not being recognised as the global internet heavyweight has positioned itself behind the high-speed infrastructure project.

In her first interview since taking charge of Google Australia in July, Ms Carnegie has outlined plans for Google to better contribute to Australia's digital economy."

'via Blog this'

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Switkowski appointed new NBN boss | Business News | Business and Finance News | | Herald Sun

Switkowski appointed new NBN boss | Business News | Business and Finance News | | Herald Sun: "FORMER Telstra boss Ziggy Switkowski has been appointed executive chairman of the new NBN Co board, Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull says.

"The project needs new leadership," Mr Turnbull told reporters in Canberra on Thursday.

Dr Switkowski replaces outgoing chairwoman Siobhan McKenna and will be joined by current NBN Co board members Kerry Schott and Alison Lansley."

'via Blog this'

Disconnecting NBN a big call for Turnbull | The Australian

Disconnecting NBN a big call for Turnbull | The Australian: "NEW leaders often come with a BHAG - a Big Hairy Audacious Goal. A classic BHAG was John Kennedy's commitment in early 1961 to land a man on the moon within a decade.

Closer to home, Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull said last week he wanted to "depoliticise" the National Broadband Network and run it according to "rational economic criteria". Given the history of telecommunications in Australia, including the NBN's own short history, this easily qualifies as a BHAG - albeit a worthy one."

'via Blog this'

Quigley departs NBN Co, farewells staff | ZDNet

Quigley departs NBN Co, farewells staff | ZDNet: "On his last day at NBN Co, the company's first CEO Mike Quigley has paid tribute to the staff working for the government-owned company charged with rolling out the National Broadband Network (NBN), and has defended his legacy in setting up the company."

'via Blog this'

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Turnbull to leave NBN cuts to new board | ZDNet

Turnbull to leave NBN cuts to new board | ZDNet: "At the opening of NextDC's flagship S1 datacentre in Macquarie Park, Sydney, Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull confirmed that the size of NBN Co's headcount will not be determined directly by the Cabinet, but rather by the new NBN Co board appointed by the Cabinet."

'via Blog this'

Monday, September 30, 2013

Rethinking the NBN: Hackett's just getting started - Delimiter

Rethinking the NBN: Hackett's just getting started - Delimiter: "Internode founder Simon Hackett has declared that the innovative ideas he has put forward over the past several years with respect to reforming the NBN are “just the tip of the iceberg” in terms of potential improvements and cost reductions to the project, as debate continues about its future under the new Coalition Government."

Up until last week, the Coalition’s NBN policy, put together in Opposition, focused on using a predominantly fibre to the node rollout style for the project, as opposed to the more ambitious and technically superior fibre to the premises approach preferred by the previous Labor Government. However, last week new Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull appeared to drastically modify the policy, declaring the Coalition was not wedded to its FTTN model and was “thoroughly open-minded” about the technology to be used in the network.

'via Blog this'

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Turnbull's tone change and the demise of the big red NBN button | ZDNet

Turnbull's tone change and the demise of the big red NBN button | ZDNet: "Under Labor, major National Broadband Network (NBN) announcements were usually at NBN Co's high-rise office in North Sydney. There was usually a slideshow presentation, and the minister and the CEO were on hand. If it wasn't there, it was out at some regional location where the minister and the local Labor member were there to push a big red button that would "launch" the NBN in that area."

'via Blog this'

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Leaked NBN Co corporate plan shows project on track

Leaked NBN Co corporate plan shows project on track: "The cost of connecting each home and business to the fibre-optic national broadband network has dropped to less than $1500 and key financial estimates of the project remain largely unchanged, according to a leaked copy of NBN Co's latest three-year plan.

However, rollout delays have reduced revenue forecasts over the next eight years as fewer consumers can use the network today than was previously expected."

'via Blog this'

NBN reboot waits for Turnbull review | The Australian

NBN reboot waits for Turnbull review | The Australian: "FEDERAL cabinet is to sign off on a strategic review of the National Broadband Network as soon as next week after the release of a confidential report showing another hit to the project's costs.

Malcolm Turnbull will ask the incoming head of the NBN Co, former Telstra chief executive Ziggy Switkowski, to set up a team of internal and external experts to examine the network rollout amid revelations customer numbers in key states are only a fraction of earlier targets."

'via Blog this'

NBN fibre keeps rolling until review: Turnbull | ZDNet

NBN fibre keeps rolling until review: Turnbull | ZDNet: "Construction work for fibre-to-the-premises National Broadband Network (NBN) currently being undertaken by NBN Co will continue until a 60-day review has been completed by the new NBN Co board, Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull has announced."

'via Blog this'

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

NBN alternative: Is Australia's copper network fit for purpose? – Features – ABC Technology and Games (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

NBN alternative: Is Australia's copper network fit for purpose? – Features – ABC Technology and Games (Australian Broadcasting Corporation): "In the world of political and media misinformation that is the NBN, an important issue, that hasn't been fully addressed, is "How fit for purpose is Australia's copper network?" This seemingly mundane and tedious question directly affects tens of billions of dollars in government spending. How?"

'via Blog this'

Concerns over state of wiring for the NBN

Concerns over state of wiring for the NBN: "The condition of millions of copper wires the Coalition will rely on to deliver its broadband policy is unknown, and it will take months to uncover how many are functional and how many are beyond use.

Telstra has never revealed how much it spends maintaining the network each year and its own descriptions of the life span range from three to 100 years."

...The Coalition wants NBN Co to provide within 60 days an estimate of how much it would cost to change to a fibre-to-the-node network, and wants the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy to provide within 90 days a list of broadband quality in all areas of Australia. Both tasks require detailed knowledge of the state of the copper network.

'via Blog this'

Monday, September 16, 2013

Optus looks to fill the Coalition's NBN gap | ZDNet

Optus looks to fill the Coalition's NBN gap | ZDNet: "As the Coalition begins to scope changing the National Broadband Network (NBN) from a majority fibre-to-the-premises (FttP) design to majority fibre the node (FttN), Optus has said that it is open to alternatives to using Telstra's existing copper line to connect their customers from the node to the premises.

Coalition communications spokesperson Malcolm Turnbull this week reaffirmed the Coalition's plans to conduct an audit of NBN Co and complete a cost-benefit analysis to determine the best way forward, which will likely lead to following the Coalition's policy for an FttN NBN for 71 percent of Australian premises."

'via Blog this'

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Concerns over state of wiring for the NBN | Oberon Review

Concerns over state of wiring for the NBN | Oberon Review: "The condition of millions of copper wires the Coalition will rely on to deliver its broadband policy is unknown, and it will take months to uncover how many are functional and how many are beyond use.

Telstra has never revealed how much it spends maintaining the network each year and its own descriptions of the life span range from three to 100 years."

'via Blog this'

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Turnbull takes a swipe at NBN policy petitioners | News | TechRadar

Turnbull takes a swipe at NBN policy petitioners | News | TechRadar: "Liberal party communications spokesperson Malcolm Turnbull, who is expected to be appointed the incoming government's Communications Minister next week, has rejected an online petition calling on the Coalition to reconsider its national broadband network (NBN) policy.
The petition, which gathered more than 200,000 signatures in less than a week, is calling for the incoming Australian government to not scrap the fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) NBN project of the previous government."

'via Blog this'

Friday, September 13, 2013

Turnbull brushes aside record NBN petition | Herald Sun

Turnbull brushes aside record NBN petition | Herald Sun: "INCOMING communications minister Malcolm Turnbull is facing a social media backlash after he seemingly brushed aside a snowballing online campaign to save Labor's national broadband network (NBN).

An internet petition set up by a Liberal-voting student six days ago had more than 200,000 online signatures by 4pm (AEST) on Thursday, making it the largest ever online petition in Australia."

'via Blog this'

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Significant change for Australia’s NBN revolution - CIOL

Significant change for Australia’s NBN revolution - CIOL: "MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: The fall of Australia's Labor Government in this weekend's election means significant change for its wholesale national broadband network (NBN) plan and for the NBN Co. established to build and operate it."

'via Blog this'

NBN review: It's time to be independent

NBN review: It's time to be independent: "The Coalition has 100 days to maximise the outcome of the NBN, warns Paul Budde."

'via Blog this'

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

NBN delays are normal, says ACCC’s Sims

NBN delays are normal, says ACCC’s Sims:

Competition regulator chairman Rod Sims says the construction delays facing Labor’s national broadband network are not surprising because it is a big project being built by a new company.


'via Blog this'

Friday, August 30, 2013

NBN here to stay, no matter who wins | The Australian

NBN here to stay, no matter who wins | The Australian: "IT may be too late for Stephen Conroy, but his National Broadband Network policy has now won clear bipartisan support, with Tony Abbott almost effusive in his praise of the network in this week's public forum."

'via Blog this'

Friday, August 23, 2013

NBN speeds up iiNet profit, growth - Yahoo!7 Finance Australia

NBN speeds up iiNet profit, growth - Yahoo!7 Finance Australia: "Australia's second-largest internet provider iiNet is proving there's nothing wrong with being number two, after posting a 64 per cent rise in profit.
The company made a net profit of $60.9 million in the year to June 30, up from the previous year's $37 million."

'via Blog this'

Thursday, August 22, 2013

iiNet hits 20k NBN customers - TransAct, National Broadband Network (NBN), internode, iiNet, broadband - Computerworld

iiNet hits 20k NBN customers - TransAct, National Broadband Network (NBN), internode, iiNet, broadband - Computerworld: "iiNet now has 20,000 customers on the National Broadband Network (NBN), with 60 per cent on fibre, 35 per cent on satellite and 5 per cent on wireless.

iiNet said 50 per cent of customers have signed up for speeds higher than the lowest NBN speed tier of 12/1Mbps.

Michael Malone, CEO at iiNet, said the company expects its subscriber base on the network to grow strongly as the rollout speeds up."

'via Blog this'

ACCC delays its call on NBN pricing agreement | Business Spectator

ACCC delays its call on NBN pricing agreement | Business Spectator: "The competition watchdog has put its decision on NBN Co’s Special Access Undertaking (SAU) on hold, saying that issuing a notice on the key document prior to the federal election was impractical.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) boss Rod Sims said that while the impending election has stopped it from making a call, the move would have negligible impact on the NBN."

'via Blog this'

Thursday, August 15, 2013

NBN launches faster fixed wireless - BIT

NBN launches faster fixed wireless - BIT: "Speeds of 25Mbps for downloads and 5Mbps for uploads are now available if you are using the fixed wireless NBN service.
If you are using NBN fixed wireless, or you know that's the NBN service earmarked for you suburb, you might be interested to know the speed has increased."

'via Blog this'

Sunday, August 11, 2013

NBN interim satellite service a victim of its own success | ZDNet

NBN interim satellite service a victim of its own success | ZDNet: "NBN Co's interim satellite service (ISS) is proving to be so popular that iiNet will be forced to withdraw its highest download offering, citing a lack of capacity on offer on the service."

'via Blog this'

Friday, August 9, 2013

Australian Market for Cloud Computing, Data Centres and M2M Reviewed in New Research Report at MarketReportsOnline.com

Australian Market for Cloud Computing, Data Centres and M2M Reviewed in New Research Report at MarketReportsOnline.com: "In Australia, cloud computing solutions are now being adopted by over 80% of enterprises and government institutions. Similar developments can be seen in the consumer market, with services offered by the digital media companies. The NBN in Australia has given an enormous boost to the data centre market, with forward-looking investments worth $5 billion over the next 3-5 years. Currently, the developments are highly centralized in the capital cities, but a more decentralised trend is expected to develop over time. The number of connected M2M devices will grow to between 25 million and 50 million by 2020."

'via Blog this'

Monday, August 5, 2013

Southern Vales tipped as our own Silicon Valley as more homes and businesses connect to National Broadband Network | Breaking National News and Australian News | Herald Sun

Southern Vales tipped as our own Silicon Valley as more homes and businesses connect to National Broadband Network | Breaking National News and Australian News | Herald Sun: "THE Southern Vales is tipped to become a mini Silicon Valley as the National Broadband Network changes the way people do business in the region.

Almost 600 homes and businesses in McLaren Flat and McLaren Vale gained access to the NBN when it was officially switched on this Wednesday, July 31, joining hundreds of homes in Willunga already connected.

A further 1400 premises are expected to be passed in the townships in the coming months, followed by 17,000 properties in Aldinga and Seaford from November.

Onkaparinga Council also this week launched a trial online development application system, linked with the NBN, which will allow developers and residents to apply and have developments approved without ever having to leave their desk."

'via Blog this'