Speaking in Brisbane yesterday at a QUT Portman Innovation Series Luncheon, Optus' chief executive officer, Paul O'Sullivan, described broadband take up as "the most important policy challenge in telecommunications".
O'Sullivan suggested the implementation of a three-part plan to "unleash the competitive potential of broadband". The plan involves stopping Telstra playing games in wholesale broadband and restore resale margins, protecting companies building their own broadband networks and making investments viable by linking resale economics to investments in building competitive broadband networks.
"The benefits would only be realised if there was vigorous competition in broadband," O'Sullivan said.
"Optus is determined to bring competition to broadband and head off efforts by the incumbent to dominate the broadband market in the same way that it dominated the local loop. There is a critical role for government in driving the competitive take up of broadband," O'Sullivan said.
I know of quite a few people in the area I live, Banora Point, Northern NSW, who would like broadband but cannot get it. Half the area has it, but others cannot. I have spoken to Optus who I am with on dial-up & they say there is a lack of lines in the area. Why is this so? Is Telstra holding out or do they need to upgrade the areas. There would a big uptake I believe if people could just get it. It is very frustrating.