[LINK] Australian Broadband Guarantee

[stephen at melbpc.org.au]

Australian Broadband Guarantee funding until 2012

<http://www.minister.dbcde.gov.au/media/media_releases/2008/032>

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and Digital Economy, Senator 
the Hon Stephen Conroy, today announced an extension of the Australian 
Broadband Guarantee program ..

The Australian Broadband Guarantee program will receive additional funding 
in the 2008–09 Budget which will bring the total program funding up to 
$270.7 million over four years.

“The Australian Broadband Guarantee has played an important role in 
ensuring high-quality, equitable broadband access for the more remote 
areas of Australia,” Senator Conroy said.

“This will be a new phase for the Australian Broadband Guarantee. The 
Government’s changes to the Australian Broadband Guarantee and its 
commitment to funding for four years will encourage the broadband industry 
to develop more long-term and innovative internet solutions for rural and 
regional Australians.”

“There will be greater incentives for industry to take a whole-of-region 
approach to network deployment. The certainty of funding will also ensure 
Internet service providers are not hindered from making longer-term plans 
for building infrastructure.”

“Finally, it demonstrates that the Government recognises the importance of 
broadband to the future prosperity of Australia,” Senator Conroy said...

Date: 13 May 2008
Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457
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Cheers people
Stephen Loosley
Victoria, Australia