Fed: Telstra FTTN decision disappointing: Coonan =2

AAP General News (Australia)
08-07-2006
Fed: Telstra FTTN decision disappointing: Coonan =2

Senator Coonan said it appeared Telstra was not happy with its competitors having access
to the proposed network.

She said the government was committed to ensuring consumers were not disadvantaged.

"The government is committed to competition," she said.

"We know that has delivered good outcomes for consumers, and we'll continue to regulate
for all telecommunication companies in a way that encourages competition because ultimately
that is the best deal for consumers."

Senator Coonan played down the importance of the fibre to the node idea altogether,
saying it would only extend to major capital cities and would be at least five years away.

"We're not going to miss out on fast broadband in the immediate term, and in the longer
term (ACCC chairman) Mr Samuel has said that he's having discussions with other alternate
providers interested in rolling out new infrastructure," she said.

"They weren't going to do it for five years, and they weren't going to do it apart
from the capital cities.

"So this is an opportunity for us all now to take stock and to let other competitors
... let them have a look at what they can do."

AAP sw/sb/pe/jlw

KEYWORD: TELSTRA COONAN LEAD 2 CANBERRA

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