[LINK] Telstra sale story

[Jan Whitaker]

This on ABC News online this morning:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/australia/2002/11/item20021118190256_1.htm

Telstra sale move in the offing

The Federal Government today began discussing the future of Telstra and it 
appears to be pushing ahead with the full sale of the telecommunications 
company.

Cabinet was briefed today on the findings of the Estens inquiry into 
regional phone services.

That investigation found services had improved and were generally adequate.

Communications Minister Richard Alston outlined the 39 recommendations to 
his Cabinet colleagues which include upgrading mobile services and 
conditions to guarantee broadband Internet speeds.

National Party leader, John Anderson says Cabinet discussed some serious 
issues regarding Telstra

"I think the Estens Inquiry reflects the fact that in general thing's have 
improved very considerably.... there are some further matters for the 
Governments consideration, there's the matter of future proofing," he said.

The Government plans to respond to the report's recommendations before the 
Christmas break.

The Cabinet briefing and the Government's quick response are further signs 
the Government plans to press ahead with the $30 billion full sale of Telstra.


JLWhitaker Associates
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
jwhit@primenet.com  --  http://www.primenet.com/~jwhit/whitentr.htm