[LINK] Network could be a dud, warns Turnbull

[David Boxall]

<http://www.smh.com.au/business/network-could-be-a-dud-warns-turnbull-20091025-heno.html>
>
> THE Opposition Leader, Malcolm Turnbull, has launched a stinging 
> attack on the Government's broadband plans, warning it could burn 
> billions of taxpayer dollars on an unviable project.
>
> ...
>
> Speaking to BusinessDay, Mr Turnbull intensified the Opposition's 
> criticism of the $43 billion national broadband network, arguing that 
> there was little evidence of enough consumer demand to make the 
> project profitable.
>
...

My first reaction was that someone's been smoking an illegal substance. 
On reflection, it wouldn't take much to cripple the market.

A few reports of horrendous excess data bills, for example, might scare 
off consumers.

> Mr Turnbull's attack came as Telstra's rivals warned minor party 
> senators that delaying legislation designed to force the break-up of 
> Telstra could leave them powerless to add amendments guaranteeing 
> regional services and consumer protection.
>

I'll resist the temptation to comment on the telcos' belated conversions 
on the needs of consumers and the regions.

-- 
David Boxall                         | ignorance more frequently
                                     | begets confidence than does
http://david.boxall.id.au            | knowledge
                                     | --Charles Darwin (introduction
                                     |  to 'The Descent of Man' 1871)