"NBN Co set to halt fibre-to-the-premise deployments" By Brian Karlovsky (ARN) on 13 November, 2014 http://www.arnnet.com.au/article/559555/nbn-co-set-halt-fibre-to-the-premise-deployments
NBN Co is set to pull the plug on fibre-to-premise deployments, but will consider a 'fibre on demand' product so that individuals or businesses with specific speed requirements can purchase fibre-to-the-premise broadband internet. It has also laid down the principles that will guide its multi-technology mix to meet the minimum data-rate required by the Federal Government's broadband policy. According to a company statement, the multi-technology principles mean that most households and businesses already served by the Optus or Telstra Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) cable networks, will receive fast broadband over an upgraded HFC network. Where the NBN fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) network has been deployed or is in advanced stages of being built, it will remain part of the FTTP rollout. Where the NBN fixed wireless or satellite networks are earmarked for deployment, they will remain part of the fixed wireless or satellite rollout. All other communities are likely to receive fast broadband over fibre-to-the-node (FTTN) and, in the case of multi-dwelling units such as apartment blocks, fibre-to-the-basement (FTTB). NBN Co chief executive, Bill Morrow, said in order to optimise the benefits of a digital economy the company must first, and foremost, address the under-penetration of broadband access as soon as possible. "Universal access, sufficient speeds, affordability and the time to build are all key factors necessary for us to achieve these benefits and the MTM guidelines were developed with these in mind," he said. “Furthermore, these principles will give greater clarity to local communities and service providers about how the NBN is being rolled out and the criteria underpinning the choice of technology in each community.” Mr Morrow said NBN Co was committed to reviewing the principles on an ongoing basis to ensure the company was making the best use of the taxpayers’ investment and identifying opportunities to incorporate technology advancements. Also under consideration is a fibre-on-demand product. Work is underway to develop guidelines so that individuals or businesses with specific speed requirements can purchase fibre up to their premises. Equally so, NBN will work with small communities that choose to co-fund FTTP if they are in an alternative technology area. The incorporation into the NBN of copper and HFC assets is contingent upon the successful conclusion of negotiations currently underway with Telstra and SingTel Optus. NBN Co’s strategic goals include connecting eight million premises to broadband and achieving annual revenue of $4 billion by 2020. -- Cheers, Stephen . _______________________________________________ Link mailing list [email protected] http://mailman.anu.edu.au/mailman/listinfo/link
