National Broadband Network

The National Broadband Network (NBN) is an Australian national wholesale-only, open-access data network. It is based on the premise that access to fixed line, wireless and satellite broadband connections are sold to retail service providers (RSPs), who then sell internet access and other services to consumers. The NBN was subject to political and industry debate and radical change after the 2013 federal election.

A key rationale for this national telecommunications infrastructure project was that the existing copper cable telephony infrastructure was approaching end of life and requiring substantial replacement or remediation. For example, most of Australia's copper network is affected by water due to extensive use of faulty gel for insulation in the past.

Initial planning and work was commenced under the Labor Party's first Rudd government. The NBN was to predominantly deliver its wholesale service through fibre to the premises (FTTP). The FTTP rollout was planned to reach approximately 93% of premises in Australia by June 2021.

The FTTP rollout was to gradually replace the copper network then owned by Telstra and currently used for most telephony and data services. As part of an agreement with NBN Co, Telstra was to move its customers to the NBN, and lease access to its exchange space and extensive network ducting to assist in the rollout.

Significant attacks were made by Liberal/National Coalition opposition leading up to the 2013 election. These focused on the estimated cost and timeline for implementation. The build cost had been a key point of debate. NBN Co, a government-owned corporation, was established to design, build and operate the NBN, and construction began with a trial rollout in Tasmania in July 2010.

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