Telstra’s 4G network welcomed by government
The Australian government has welcomed the 4G network from communications giant Telstra, and this was reflected in comments from Senator Stephen Conroy.
Australian communication giant Telstra recently announced its intention to roll out 4G broadband on its NextG Network in various capital cities and regional centres. This is something that will we welcomed by many residents and businesses who are desperate for faster speeds and more reliable mobile broadband networks.
The government is also welcoming the move by Telstra, which was reflected in comments that were recently made by the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy.
Conroy said: “The Gillard Government supports and welcomes the rapid rollout and take-up of wireless broadband across Australia. Fourth generation wireless technology presents exciting opportunities for consumers as smartphones and mobile devices become increasingly popular. Wireless broadband, whether delivered over mobile networks or via smaller wi-fi networks that extend people’s fixed line connections, will continue to form an important part of the broadband landscape in Australia. That’s why we are facilitating the future rollout of 4G wireless technology by freeing up valuable spectrum, currently used by broadcasters to deliver analogue television signals, as part of the digital television switchover. This spectrum is crucial for next-generation wireless services. Far from being a threat to the National Broadband Network (NBN), wireless is an important complementary technology to fibre.”
He added: “A fibre connection also offers users the opportunity to create their own reliable local wireless networks to meet the need for mobility within homes or businesses. ‘A fibre-to-the-home connection delivers the speed it says it does. There is no decline in speed or performance if more people are online, or if you are further away from an exchange. The Government welcomes any investment that improves Australia’s telecommunications industry and creates more competition and better broadband outcomes for Australians.”
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Since the taxpayer is footing the bill for the NBN (the majority of whom are not Labor supporters) it’s not surprising that the Government is blase about the implications for the NBN.