As expected, Telstra and NBN Co have signed a historic agreement worth $11 billion, paving the way for NBN fibre to be rolled out through Telstra’s ducts to Australian homes. The deal also makes it harder for the opposition to roll back the network should they come into power at the next election.
While both Telstra and NBN Co have signed off on the deal, it still needs the approval of Telstra shareholders and the ACCC before being firmly cemented in place.
The details of the agreement are still being digested, but expect to hear more about it as the day rolls on…
Glenn
Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 9:45 AMAwesome, so there is hope we can get rid of Gizzard and keep the NBN?
Roland
Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 10:02 AMFingers crossed!!!
Nathan
Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 10:04 AMYeah it is awesome that this should never have happened.
As in we should never have sold the copper network as part of the privatisation of Telstra.
StevoTheDevo
Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 10:18 AMCouldn’t agree more…
No matter what your political leaning, I challenge anyone to argue that selling Telstra as a sole entity was good for Australia. (especially considering the losses made on T2!)
Luke
Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 11:43 AMThat was the Liberals who sold off Telstra in the first place…
Antonia Powers
Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 11:48 AMIt was the Federal Liberal government that sold off Telstra and lot all the “mum and dad” investors money.
If it wasn’t for the Federal Labor party, which is now in government, and of which Gillard is the Prime Minister we would not be talking about the magnificent infrastructure that will be the NBN.
Dan
Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 10:37 AMI’ve been saying for years that the government should of held on to the network and sold Telstra as a provider only. The NBN should of happened 10 years ago.
RB
Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 11:00 AMBest news I’ve heard all week.
Deal has been signed with Optus too: http://www.smh.com.au/business/optus-strikes-800m-nbn-deal-20110623-1gg70.html
Here’s hoping that these agreements help to accelerate the rollout plans considerably :)
Rob H
Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 11:29 AM“Signed off” is a loose term – from the SMH:
‘‘After rigorously assessing the options before it, including the regulatory and commercial implications of each, the Telstra board expects to recommend that shareholders approve a proposal to participate in the NBN rollout, subject to the conditions precedent being satisfied,’’ she said.
“Expects” – In other words, they still haven’t decided if they like it, the shareholders still haven’t voted, and the ACCC still has to approve…
Fluffiest press ever!
Luke
Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 11:43 AMThe liberals arent going to like this very much… would they now???
rehandra
Saturday, July 2, 2011 at 7:11 AMAhhh yes it will be fantastic wont it…the government having full control of communciations. No competition at all…watch the costs go up for the ordinary person to over $100 a month. Whoopeee!! cannot wait to pay these high fees. I can afford it…wont worry me…but will it worry YOU!