The Federal Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, has delivered the Government’s official response to the 2011-12 Regional Telecommunications, saying that its findings validate the ongoing rollout of the National Broadband Network.

 

“This independent review has confirmed that people living in regional Australia support the Gillard Government’s investment in the National Broadband Network and our decision to prioritise the rollout of fast, reliable and affordable broadband to regional areas,” Senator Conroy said.

 

“There is also strong support for our commitment to uniform wholesale pricing, which ensures people living in rural, remote and regional Australia pay the same wholesale price for broadband as those living in cities. This is something the Coalition continues to oppose, meaning higher prices for Australians in the bush.”

 

Senator Conroy said the Government has already started implementing a range of the review’s key recommendations, such as the extension of the NBN Co’s Interim Satellite Service.

 

“The Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee recognised that many of the Government’s existing programs are successfully helping to improve access to communications for regional Australians,” Senator Conroy said.

 

The Australian Government’s response to the review report is available at: www.dbcde.gov.au/funding_and_programs/regional_telecommunications_review

 

For more information, including a copy of the final report, visit the Committee's website at www.rtirc.gov.au or call 1800 064 851 (free-call from a landline).