What is the australian government thinking?

1. 60

   icewave5posted 14 years ago

   The Government has announced it will establish a new company that will invest up to $43 billion over eight years to build and operate a National Broadband Network delivering superfast broadband to Australian homes and workplaces.
   
   To turn its vision into action the Government will immediately:
   
       * establish a company to build and operate the network and make an initial investment of $4.7 billion in the network
       * commence an implementation study to determine the company's operating arrangements, detailed network design and ways to attract private sector investment
       * fast-track negotiations with the Tasmanian Government, as suggested by the Panel of Experts, to build upon its National Broadband Network proposal to begin the rollout of a FTTP network and next generation wireless services in Tasmania as early as July
       * implement measures to address backhaul 'blackspots' through the timely rollout of fibre optic transmission links connecting cities, major regional centres and rural towns - delivering improvements to telecommunication services in the short term
       * progress legislative changes that will govern the national broadband network company and facilitate the rollout of FTTP networks, including requiring use of fibre optic technology in future greenfield developments, and
       * commence a consultative process on necessary changes to the existing telecommunications regulatory regime.
   
   The Government terminated the Request for Proposals (RFP) process on 7 April 2009, on the basis of advice from the independent Panel of Experts that none of the national proposals offered value for money. The Panel noted the rapid deterioration of the global economy had a significant impact on the process.
   
   
   
   $43 billion in optical fibres for faster internet, getting speeds of up to 100megabyts/second? Is it really worth it, seems like a waste of money. What are your thoughts, could the $43 billion be better spent? $43 billion is a lot of money in Australian terms since it only has a population of 22 million.

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2. 73

   thranaxposted 14 years ago

   Watch this, this is what they are thinking. Seriously, watch it all:
   
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcU4t6zRAKg
   
   ~thranax~

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3. 61

   ajcorposted 14 years ago

   do you think the front might fall off?

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4. 59

   Mark Knowlesposted 14 years ago

   Internet = new religion. Mindless crap to keep the masses occupied and distracted.
   
   TV worked for a while, now we need to move on. There are similar plans in the US and UK.

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5. 83

   Jewelsposted 14 years ago

   Telstra has a monopoly in Australia and its offer is not in the interests of the Australian public.  PM Rudd, I felt is using foresight to ensure Australia is brought into the 21st Century and keeps abreast of technology, otherwise we are going to lose allot of business and end up a third world country.
   
   I'm not sure what the problem is with this.  Australia is sick to the stomach with Telstra, we pay through the nose for poor service and a substandard product.  What do you think is a better option?

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      ajcorposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I'm with you Jewels - it seems to me that whatever plan I choose from telstra it is always somehow wrong,overpriced and is in overkill mode for my somewhat modest requirements -  and the advice you receive seems to be financially geared to the bonus the person selling you the plan will receive! unless you are lucky to get some one honest who is actually thinking of you and not their pocket or indeed telstra's . And as for the share fiasco what a debacle that was.... just for the mix...

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      1. 83

         Jewelsposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Yep, scoundrels (nice word for it).  I have no choice at the moment but to use them.  I have to have a line in order to get online.  Wireless network is substandard where I am so is not an option.  And if you want fast broadband you pay high prices for it.

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6. 73

   Eaglekiwiposted 14 years ago

   Yea I used for Telstra for years when I was in NZ,before they hit the scene it was Telecom who had the monopoly ( greedy fat cats).
   I never understood why the bigger moguls never moved in ( like they did with many other businesses)from the USA and Japan etc.
   Im guessing it was pure politics ( isnt it always).
   The irony is students are encouraged to excel in IT and a while back chanced to be chatting from a guy who worked at IBM ( here in USA)and his opinion was Kiwi and Aussie Programmers and Tecnicians are scooped up for employement for their skills and work ethics so go figure....Mr Rudd and Mr Keys....make Broadband affordable and efficent now!

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   1. 83

      Jewelsposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Lots of our whizz kids go overseas.  It's to our detriment seriously.  It's called the brain drain.  So that's one part of this issue.  Rudd knows our future depends on top level IT communication.
      
      Australians need to know we are getting screwed in a few categories.  We pay more for food because of lack of competition compared to US and EU countries, same with basic necessities including clothing.
      
      The Rudd government can fund this and create allot of jobs, then sell it off as they've done with utilities.  I just hope it's done properly and we all benefit from it, not just the fat cats.

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7. 73

   Eaglekiwiposted 14 years ago

   Yea and the cats get bigger and meaner
   Reminds me of that song ? who sang it ( can hear it in my head)
   
   Welcome to the Jungle..
   
   p.s Yes it is serious ,my son was part of the brain drain ,clever wee techie he was, then got homesick and now works for another greedy Corporate firm ( Electricity).
   I dont blame him ,moneys not everything but damn what are some of our leaders thinking?? or are they even doing that much.

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8. 62

   Mishaposted 14 years ago

   Every nation deserves its own government. Whatever you allow your government to get away with - it will...

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   1. 73

      Eaglekiwiposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Great Quote ,true

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