The Minister for Communications has released the Government’s new Statement of Expectations for the National Broadband Network (NBN) guiding the organisation to its next phase as it has now completed its initial roll-out and is fully operational.
The Minister, Paul Fletcher also welcomed NBN Co’s Corporate Plan, which responds to the Statement of Expectations.
“The Government has clear objectives for NBN Co, which is to maximise the social and economic benefits of the network and support Australia’s becoming a leading digital economy by 2030,” Mr Fletcher said.
“NBN Co is moving into a new phase, with the rollout complete, and its increasingly strong financial results meaning that retained earnings can be directed into further enhancing the digital capability of Australia.”
He said the Government expected NBN Co to take a demand-driven approach in making commercially sound investments to meet the current and future needs of Australian households and businesses.
“The statement also has a strong focus on NBN Co’s ongoing role in improving outcomes in regional and remote Australia, supporting retailers to deliver affordable, reliable and resilient services to consumers, and promoting competition and innovation,” Mr Fletcher said.
Minister for Finance, Senator Simon Birmingham said NBN Co’s Corporate Plan would provide a sound transition to its operational phase.
“The company will focus on growing its revenues, reducing costs, and allow for ongoing investment in the network to meet the changing needs of households and businesses,” Senator Birmingham said.
“This will empower the NBN Co to continue providing Australians with access to a fast, reliable broadband network, at the least possible cost to the taxpayer.”
The Statement of Expectations can be accessed at this PS News link with NBN Co’s 41-page Corporate Plan at this link.
