Australia to build $31 billion fiberoptic broadband network

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So funny

"It will be the largest infrastructure project in Australia?s history, Rudd
said, and would support 37,000 jobs ? not a bad idea since the
country?s jobless rate may move above 7 percent next year thanks to
the global economic downturn."

Out of work retail assistants are going to be laying fibre?

"Naturally, it?s all the more difficult given that Australia spans an
entire continent, much of which is inhospitable terrain."

But don't let that stop you;-)

"A little-known consortium comprising wealthy Australian
businessmen and telecoms industry veterans had been favorite to win
the project ahead of Optus, which is owned by Singapore
Telecommunications and Canada?s Axia NetMedia. "

The system announced by the government ((Fibre to the Home)) is not
the same as the solution they called for tenders for (Fibre to the
Node). The price is some 10 times the original price (but it is all going
to be debt funded so who cares) and reduced coverage from 98%
(election promise) to now 90% of Australians.

"But in December, the country?s largest phone company, Telstra, was
dumped from the running for not meeting requirements."

Telstra didn't submit a conforming tender.

"Rudd said the new network would be built with money from a A$20
billion, or about $14.13 billion USD, national infrastructure fund and
the sale of bonds, following an initial government investment of A$4.7
billion, or about $3.32 billion USD."

100% of the national infrastructure fund will be invested in this internet scheme. Fortunately for Australians it isn't like power
infrastructure is a problem (Sydney CBD blackout anyone?).

Got to laugh. Go lemmings.

Posted by: Richard Flude   Posted on: 04/07/09 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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