Broadband Too Broad To Be Viable

Oct. 4, 2010 - PRLog -- The Federal Government’s national broadband (NBN) roll out is too broad in its current form to be a viable option, says Mareeba First National  principal, Selena, warning that uncertainty about the passage of core legislation would undermine the property sector.

“The Communications Minister, Stephen Conroy, says the government is committed to debating and passing the NBN legislation as soon as possible, but there are no bills amongst the 40 to be brought forward when parliament resumes this week to support this statement,” Selena said.

According to Selena, clarification is desperately needed around the legislation of the NBN, particularly in relation to the installation of broadband in new buildings.

“Minister Conroy has failed to establish the business case for the NBN and if the government continues to procrastinate, builders will continue to face uncertainty about how to complete their projects,” Selena said.

“This has the potential to negatively impact on regional Australians, who should be the main beneficiaries of the NBN rollout.

“They will begin to doubt the viability and affordability of the scheme, which will cost the average regional homeowner between $4,000 to $5,000 according to predictions by Caryn Kaklas, the Executive Director at Residential Development Council.


“This defies the whole purpose of the NBN scheme, which looks more and more like being a gigantic, overpriced white elephant, and likely to be as successful as the failed home insulation scheme.”

Selena said legislation is required that would mandate the NBN for new greenfields projects and clarify planning controls to reduce confusion on building sites. This would allay fears that state governments could rush too quickly to implementation.

“The other two key areas that need to be clarified are legislation that grants the competition watchdog new powers and establishing the operating conditions of the NBN companies,” Selena said.

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Issued by: First National Real Estate
For further information contact Selena Carabot of Mareeba First National Real Estate, on 07 40 922 111

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