In his speech at the ‘Realising our Broadband Future‘ conference, the man charged with spearheading the transformation of Australia’s broadband network outlined his vision for one of the nation’s most important infrastructure developments. In what will eventually emerge as one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects undertaken in Australia, the National Broadband Network is poised to put down roots across the nation. Mike Quigley explained why he is so enthusiastic about the project, and how it will benefit Australians on a business, economic and social level.
Realising our broadband future
Presentation by Mike Quigley, Executive Chairman NBN Co at the University of NSW, December 2009
We have just heard the Prime Minister articulate the government’s agenda to realise Australia’s broadband future, and the part that the National Broadband Network will play. His address made it clear why this initiative is raising so much interest around the world. It is a unique nation building program that has the potential to lift Australia’s productive capacity. I am also reminded as to why I was very keen to be part of this project. For a telecom professional this initiative is a once in a lifetime opportunity. This is why my colleagues and I are so enthusiastic about belonging to the growing NBN Co team. While we are growing rapidly we are keeping our attention very tightly focused on the objectives we have in front of us, which are: 1. To provide broadband coverage across the nation, offering speeds up to 100Mbps to 90 per cent of the population and 12Mbps to the remaining 10 per cent. 2. To facilitate the development of a level competitive playing field for access seekers, by building a wholesale platform providing open and equivalent access. 3. To build this wholesale network in the most cost effective manner possible. The NBN Co team is using these three broad objectives as a reference point for everything we do. I am also keen to ensure that these objectives, and the way in which we go about realising them, will be as transparent as possible, giving future customers, and of course taxpayers, the opportunity to hold us accountable. NBN Co is a startup. But not quite like any startup I have been associated with. Normally, startups have an opportunity to stay under the radar as they get themselves established. EDITION 1
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