You might remember that a few months ago, Brisbane made headlines for something decidedly un-flood related. The city was in talks with British telecommunications company i3 to facilitate the laying of superfast broadband in the city’s sewage pipes.
Now, according to a statement by Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman – that idea has been effectively flushed away for now. The service had hoped to connect 500,000 homes in the Brissy region, but with a bit of background reading and you’ll see that experts saw the stink in this smelly idea from the start. An Age investigation into the company found that i3 had a history of less-than-glowing business dealings in its native homeland.
Given how this has turned out for Brisbane, Newman isn’t prepared to let the idea go completely. Apparently there are a number of other firms waiting in the wings to be given a similar chance. Personally, I think there is more chance of the NBN being built before this $600 million pie in the sky gets out of the gutter.
[Via ABC]
Pete
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 1:23 PMSo you think that a 600 million dollar project that will connect 50% of the states population to fibre optic broadband utilising existing infrastructer is a pie in the sky plan. So 36 billion spent, digging new trenches, erecting new lines is defintely the way to go.
Stop and think before you dismiss a realistic alternative plan Giz.
Daniel Long
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 5:08 PMWhat’s wrong with the NBN? Do you honestly think Brisbane will have this up and running before the NBN is laid out in that city? I’m not so sure where that money is going to come from, especially post-floods. Yes, it might be corporate funded – but it’s likely to come with much higher fees to access it.
T-Red
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 1:39 PMThought this was just a google April Fools Joke
Mr Mack
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 3:46 PMTISP with PHD’s =P
Ross Malloch
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 3:27 PMso whats going to happen to the southbrisbane exchange, that telstra is shutting down, which this was meant to be the replacement? am i just going to have no internet?
Nodeity
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 3:29 PMIf there is even a hint of shady in the company pitching this idea, I say definitely give it the flick!! Qld can wait for the NBN like everybody else! :}
Steve
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 9:29 PMThis is such a bizarre idea, I can’t believe it was ever truly considered. What was wrong with Fibre To The Home NBN? This is just another political talking point that’s a gross waste of taxpayer money.
James Carson
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 9:59 PMuuuuhm i think u might have maintenence issues with this one. the telecommunications union will go spaz!!