The ATUG Blog

ATUG’s 6^th annual Regional Conference canvassed a number of BIG ideas on how to get advanced comms to all regional areas. Competitive backhaul was a core theme over the two days – “build the highways, not the driveways.”  FTTN costs are a major concern for ATUG because of our focus on affordability. Planning rules, re-using and sharing infrastructure, cost savings for operators are all ways to ensure affordable services for end users. The NBN was a big topic – with a many different views: it’s just about encouraging investment, what’s “real equivalence”, how will ABG fill in backspots ahead of NBN, market structure matters for effective competition. Much to think about and discuss at ATUG’s next Cross Connect meetings. Presentations are on the ATUG website.

ATUG's 2008 Regional Conference

To be held on 20–21 May, Canberra at the Australian War Memorial.

Since last year's conference there has been a change of Government, new Minister and new Department name all reflecting a new outlook on communications policy and the answers for regional end users

New policy and funding decisions are now key to current discussions. With the major focus being the National Broadband Network policies and proposals.

Since ATUG 2007 Regional Conference, Local and State governments have continued to work to define and develop their individual role and to coordinate outcomes for end users far more effectively.

ATUG has been part of the journey for communications solutions for Regional Australia - with our Regional Conferences and Regional Roadshows. Starting with Demand Aggregation, HiBIS #1 and the efforts of local communities and governments in working with providers to accelerate and extend access to broadband. Then, with, the Telstra sale legislation passing in 2005 we saw reconfirmation of basic protections -the Universal Service Obligation, Customer Service Guarantee and National Reliability Framework policies, and the introduction of the Telstra Local Presence Plan and the Independent Regional Review process. T3 was also accompanied by a significant increase in funding for services in regional areas.

Now the debate for Regional Australia has taken a significant turn with the issues remaining alive and growing in importance.

Join us in Canberra – May 2008

Tags: Regional+communications, technology