REGIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FROM NBN A STEP CLOSER

IMPROVED opportunities in regional education, health and business have moved a step closer with the passage of legislation on the National Broadband Network, Independent MP for Lyne Rob Oakeshott said today.
“The legislation passed in Parliament this week will see the NBN ‘rolled-in’ through regional areas first, with uniform wholesale pricing in place for equivalent broadband services,” Mr Oakeshott said.
“I also confirm our region has made a submission to government for an East Coast Digital Corridor involving the 28 councils in the region.
“As well, I am pleased the policy of equity of pricing has been achieved. This is thanks to those locally voting independent, and is the first time that equity of pricing will be delivered in Australian communications policy from the Federal Parliament.
“We have negotiated a good outcome for the Mid-North Coast and for regional Australia on affordable access to the most important piece of infrastructure this Parliament will deal with over the next three years.
”It continues to disappoint many in the region that some politicians remain opposed to better technology and cheaper prices on the north coast for populist reasons.
“The concept of bundling, where bills for your phone, internet, television and parts of your power are all bundled together for greater cost-effectiveness, is an important change I think worthy of support for households and families.
“With the added benefit of health, education and business uses that improve the way we live, I remain determined to deliver on what I said I would when first elected in 2008, and that is better information communications technology (ICT) for our region.
“I invite other politicians and community leaders in this region to join this push for a better community.”
ENDS
Media contact: Garth Norris – 0429 787320