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Welcome to The Australian Telecommunications Users Group Web Site - Communicate, Collaborate, Innovate

Draft guidelines to enhance Australian Broadband Guarantee
Draft guidelines to improve the Australian Broadband Guarantee were today released by the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy.
“The Rudd Government has announced that $270.7 million will be made available to fund the Australian Broadband Guarantee program until June 2012. These new draft guidelines will enhance the program to ensure it delivers a higher level of broadband service and provides better protection for consumers,” Senator Conroy said.

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Australian Broadband Guarantee funding until 2012
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and Digital Economy, Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy, today announced an extension of the Australian Broadband Guarantee program to safeguard the broadband opportunities for all Australians, while the Government continues to implement its broader broadband policy agenda. The Australian Broadband Guarantee program will receive additional funding in the 2008-09 Budget which will bring the total program. funding up to $270.7 million over four years.
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Broadband for Seniors
The Government will provide $15.0 million over three years from 2008-09 to allow up to 2,000 community organisations to purchase desktop computers and broadband connections in order to run free internet workshops for seniors and provide them with free access to the internet. Grants of up to $10,000 will be available for these organisations to expand access to the internet for senior Australians.
This measure delivers on the Government’s election commitment.

Improving Australia's infrastructure
The Government will establish the Building Australia Fund (BAF) to provide a financing source for future investment in critical economic infrastructure in transport and communications such as road, rail, port facilities and broadband.

The Government will also close the Communications Fund and transfer its balance to the BAF. The Government will commit funds from the 2007-08 and 2008-09 surpluses, once realised, to the BAF bringing total funding of the BAF to $20.0 billion. A proportion of future surpluses may be allocated to the fund as appropriate. The Fund will be established by 1 January 2009 and be managed by the Future Fund Board of Guardians.

Future disbursements from the fund will be subject to budget consideration, and will be spent responsibly, in line with the prevailing macroeconomic conditions. Spending from the fund on specific projects will be subject to rigorous evaluation. With the exception of funding for the National Broadband Network, drawdowns from the BAF will not occur before 2009-10. It is expected that funding of $400.0 million will also be available for regional telecommunications, subject to the Government’s consideration of the Glasson Review.

The Building Australia Fund will be established by 1 January 2009.

  • Based on current estimates, the Building Australia Fund will receive $20 billion over the next two years to fund shortfalls in national transport (roads, rails and ports) and broadband.
  • The Communications Fund will be closed and its assets of $2.4 billion transferred to the BAF.
    $4.7 billion from the BAF for a National Broadband Network that will offer high speed broadband to 98 per cent of Australian households and businesses.
  • $22.3 billion in land transport infrastructure from 2009-10 to 2013-14 under AusLink 2, including $2.6 billion to projects in Victoria and $2.5 billion to upgrade the Pacific c Highway in New South Wales.
  • $271 million over four years to fund the Australian Broadband Guarantee, which will ensure all Australians, particularly those in regional and rural areas, have equitable access to metro-comparable broadband services.
  • Continue the Remote Air Service Subsidy Scheme, at a cost of $25 million over four years, to provide 239 remote and isolated communities with services including transport, medicines and fresh food.

ACMA Consultation on the Emergency Call Service Determination
ACMA has asked ATUG for an URGENT response to its consultation on the Emergency Call Service Determination which removed the obligation for CSPs to carry calls to the emergency call service (ECS) from mobile telephones without a unique service identifying number (USIN) (commonly referred to as SIM-less calls). ACMA's preliminary position is that a deferral of up to four months in the commencement date for the Amending Determination, i.e. no later than 19 September 2008, would be a prudent next step. During any such deferral period, ACMA will continue to work with CSPs and mobile phone handset manufacturers to address the circumstances identified and seek to resolve technical difficulties. A deferral would also provide more time to examine a separate issue relating to the termination message or tone proposed for use for SIM-less calls. ATUG members can make commently directly to Melissa O’Brien by 10 am on Thursday 15 May 2008. Melissa can be contacted on 03 9963 6774 for any queries. The background statement for consultation is available at http://www.atug.com.au/other/ACMABSC130508.pdf

National Broadband Networks Proposals
Government invites National Broadband Network proposals - 25 July
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy, today announced the release of the Request for Proposals (RFP) to roll-out and operate the National Broadband Network.
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National Broadband Network Request for submissions on regulatory issues - 25 June
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, the Hon Stephen Conroy today invited industry and public interest groups to provide submissions on regulatory issues associated with the National Broadband Network.
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Call for submissions on broadband solutions for remote areas - 30 June
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy, has today called for submissions on policy and funding initiatives to provide enhanced broadband to rural and remote areas.
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Public comment sought on National Broadband Network - 17 March 2008
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy, today invited industry and the public to provide submissions that will assist in the development of the National Broadband Network Request for Proposals. "Interested individuals, organisations and companies are invited to provide submissions that will inform the Panel of Experts," Senator Conroy said.
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NBN Regulation PhD study
"Wireline telecommunications infrastructure in the customer access network or CAN is undergoing a veritable technological and commercial revolution. The paired-copper CAN is being modernised with optical fibre deployment ever closer to customers, culminating soon with fibre-to-the-home networks or some variant thereof. Although bandwidth ceases to be a scarce commodity, the underlying natural monopoly will most likely be strengthened.

This research asks the question: What are the factors that prevent open access to the broadband services of next generation wireline infrastructure? How can these obstacles be overcome? A particular focus is given to non-price considerations which come to the foredue to the unique strategic and technological characteristics of optical fibre in the access network."

A few highlights of the study findings applying to (post-PSTN) ‘next generation’ broadband infrastructure include:
· Access regulation is ill-equipped to cope with optical fibre in the access network until it also recognizes the strategic potential of such infrastructure;
· Dominant players should never be rewarded with access holidays; and
· Communication between users should be recognised as the prime purpose of telecommunications.The full study is at http://www.rosskelso.com/acrobat_documents/Kelso_PhD.pdf

20 APR 2008: AUSTRALIA 2020 SUMMIT - INITIAL SUMMIT REPORT Click Here

19 APR 2008: TRANSCRIPT OF OPENING REMARKS TO AUSTRALIA 2020 SUMMIT, PARLIAMENT HOUSE:
Goals of 2020 Summit, World in 1996 & today, Ten core challenges for the future. Click Here

OPEL Contract

02 APR 2008: SINGTEL: Australian Government Advises Termination of OPEL Contract. Click Here
02 APR 2008: CONROY: OPEL Networks Funding Agreement not to proceed. Click Here
02 APR 2008: BILLSON: BUSH THE VICTIM OF CONROY'S OPEL CULL - People of rural, regional & remote Australia have every reason to be deeply concerned & disappointed about reports Labor Government has cancelled contracts for OPEL project. Click Here
02 APR 2008: JOYCE: Unfortunate Reality of Labor Fibre - First real delivery by Conroy, was not to improve services, but to remove services to remote and regional Australia. Click Here
02 April 2008:
Telstra Country Wide Group Managing Director, Mr Geoff Booth, today welcomed the decision by the new Federal Government to terminate the Broadband Connect Infrastructure Funding granted to the SingTel Optus/Elders joint venture OPEL. Click Here
ATUG Statement on OPEL cancellation. Click Here

ATUG 2008 Summary

ATUG 2008 was a great success. With over 100 delegates coming over the two days, there was energetic and interesting debate of the major topics at hand. With international presence from the OECD, BT Global , TUANZ and Axia NetMedia (Canada) and local updates from the Minister, Shadow Minister, ACCC and ACMA, all areas were covered in depth with the latest information on everything “communications”. For copies of the speakers’ presentations Click Here
For Conference Photos Click Here
For Gala Dinner Photos Click Here


ATUG 2008 Award Winners
The winners of the 2008 ATUG are listed here. Click Here for the full media release


ATUG’s Submission to the Expert Taskforce in August 2007 commenting on the Guidelines for High Speed Broadband Network Infrastructure Proposals – 29 August 2007
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Panel of Experts
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy, today announced the Panel of Experts to assess proposals to build the National Broadband Network. The Panel will be chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Ms Patricia Scott. The other members of the panel are:
John Wylie, Lazard Carnegie Wylie CEO.
Tony Mitchell, Allphones Chairman.
Laureate Professor Rod Tucker, University of Melbourne.
Professor Emeritus of Communications, Reg Coutts, University of Adelaide.
Tony Shaw, former Australian Communications Authority Chairman.
Dr Ken Henry AC, Treasury Secretary.
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ATUG 2008 – Axia Presentation on fibre developments in Canada, France and Singapore
The common attribute across these three break-through implementations: “Put the NGN fibre grid in a no-conflict open access business model by separating ownership."
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Summary of the Discussion at ATUG 2008 about the structural arrangements needed for the NBN
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Presentation of the industry vision report on the NBN
At the BuddeComm Roundtable in October Senator Conroy had promised the industry that if Labor were to win the election he would invite us to come back to him with an industry vision on his plans for a National Broadband Network (NBN). That report was presented to the Minister on 6 March 2008. The report can be downloaded from the Buddecom site

Government announces Panel of Experts to assess National Broadband Network proposals - 11 March 2008
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy, today announced the Panel of Experts to assess proposals to build the National Broadband Network. Click Here


ATUG Broadband Awards
Last year saw the inaugural ATUG Broadband Awards. The awards scheme was very successful with many organisations getting the opportunity to display their hard work improving business and the community by using broadband in new and innovative ways. In 2008, ATUG are looking to expand on the success of the 2007 Awards and ask everyone to nominate for the awards. Submissions for the awards have now closed.


ATUG 2008 Focus Policies
Every year ATUG releases its Focus Policies. For this year's policies please Click Here

Sky Business News Podcast
Helen Dalley’s program on Sunday Business (18/11) was a discussion was with Tony Warren, Tim Smeallie and David Tudehope on the G9’s plan to build a high speed broadband network compared to a similar rival plan from Telstra. For ATUG the important issues in this debate are not whether fibre is the right technology – IT IS, or whether open access is needed - IT IS but at what price and with what consequences for competition and consumers. The task for the next Minister as ATUG sees it will be to deliver affordable broadband services that reflect competitive, not monopoly, margins. Whoever is in power will need the support of an independent regulator focused on the key issue – the long-term interests of end users. Hear the discussion by podcasting it to your PC. The relevant discussion begins at 2mins 25sec
To find out more on how to podcast, Click Here
The SKYNews Podcast can be found here

ATUG Submission to the Expert Terms of Reference Workshop
ATUG’s views are based on the needs and views of business, government and community users who rely on communications technologies to achieve their goals.
ATUG is keen to see continued co-operation between Federal, State and Local Governments and between government and industry in the development of Australia’s communications capability. A number of State and Local Governments are advanced in strategies and plans to encourage the development of high-speed broadband networks for their communities and agencies. The Guidelines should provide opportunities for a number of proposals to emerge.
A number of Federal agencies – DoHA, DEST, AGIMO are examples – are also focused on plans for future service delivery which rely on fast broadband. The Taskforce Guidelines should build on this work.
For the full ATUG submission Click Here

BroadbandNow is a new customer information service to help consumers access broadband, the options available to them and how to get connected. http://www.broadbandnow.gov.au/
BroadbandNow
BroadbandNow has information for consumers on broadband issues such as:

- obtaining access to broadband;
- availability of broadband service options in specific local areas;
- what the various available technologies mean for consumers; and

- the eligibility for Australian Government assistance under programs such as the Australian Broadband Guarantee.

The OPEL Network
Indicative Coverage maps are at http://www.broadbandnow.gov.au/opel-map.htm
OPEL’s national wireless broadband network will cover almost 9.5 million premises across Australia, offering broadband speeds initially up to 6Mbps, increasing to up to 12Mbps by 30 June, 2009. The network will comprise 1361 new state of the art wireless broadband ‘WiMAX’ sites. Each premises within the reach of this network will receive the full suite of high quality, next generation broadband (and other) services being offered by OPEL. As a result of broadband signals reaching 20km from a broadband ‘WiMAX site, the Opel wireless network will reach many broadband blackspots in outer metropolitan areas. In addition, OPEL will deliver 1.9 million premises in regional areas access to even faster speeds of up to 20Mbps by enabling an additional 312 exchanges with ADSL2+ broadband. Optus is enabling a further 114 ADSL2+ exchanges on a commercial basis. This will provide Australia with a total of 426 new ADSL2+ exchanges.

SCAMwatch – the campaign portal for the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce. SCAMwatch is a site to help recognise, report and protect yourself from scams. Explore SCAMwatch to find out more about the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce and the scams that target you or your small business. You can also take part in the Australian Institute of Criminology’s scam survey.

Information for members on Telstra 3G offerings
For more information on the NEXT G network and fact sheets on pricing plans, coverage, content and data speeds, Click Here

25 Year History of ATUG
ATUG is celebrating its 25th year anniversary in 2006 with the release of the 25 year history of ATUG booklet. Click Here to read on...

ATUG Members Directory
The ATUG Members Directory is a new initiative to help members locate one another when they need help, guidance or advice on telecommunications issues. To participate in the directory, your company needs to be a financial member of ATUG and have filled in the online application form. Click Here for more information.

ATUG Monthly Meetings - Australia Wide
ATUG has a very active, state based representation which meet every month to discuss topical issues that are of interest to all who are in the telecoms industry. These are a free of charge event and are a great networking opportunity with the leaders of our dynamic industry. Also, these meetings are open to ATUG members and non -members. Click Here for more information, including a events list sign on.

ATUG Events Archive
This is an archive of past ATUG events, which include presentations, photos and event information. Click Here

ATUG Membership Kits
If you would like to receive a membership kit, which includes all information regarding becoming a member of ATUG, Click Here

ATUG Opinion
Written by Rosemary Sinclair, Managing Director of ATUG, the Opinion highlights a topical issue in telecommunications. To view the latest ATUG Opinion, Click Here

ATUG Benchmarking Service
The concept behind benchmarking is to provide participants with an external frame of reference to compare their use of telecommunications services with other like organisations. Take control of your company’s phone costs! Learn more...

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