Nationals say NBN broadband plan inadequate

Nationals say broadband plan inadequate
22 Feb, 2010 01:30 PM
THE RUDD Government's broadband plan will still bypass towns and villages of less than 1000 people in the New England area, according to The Nationals Duty Senator for the electorate, John Williams.

Sen Williams said he has identified 14 localities in New England including Ashford, Moonbi and Bundarra that will not receive the much-trumpeted high speed broadband, yet towns like Mt.Isa which is ‘already well served by broadband will get the new service’.

“In the meantime Attunga, Gilgai, Tingha and Deepwater have been waiting for more than two years for Labor to make good on its election promises,” he said.

"The so-called National Broadband Network is an uncosted $43 billion plan that is seemingly going nowhere and being run by a Minister, Senator Stephen Conroy, who is trying to deflect criticism of other issues in his portfolio.

“By admitting it will only reach 90 percent of the population, the Rudd Government is neglecting residents in Bendemeer, Delungra, Nundle and Emmaville and telling them there is no equity of service.

“In fact, given that the network will take eight years to build there is every likelihood larger towns and cities like Tamworth, Armidale and Inverell will be at the end of the list.”