NBN
Three computer keyboard keys with the letters NBN, the acronym for National Broadband Network, are pictured in this photo illustration taken in Sydney June 23, 2011. Australia cleared a key hurdle on Thursday in setting up a $38 billion high-speed broadband system after phone operator Telstra agreed to rent out its network for the nation's biggest infrastructure project in decades. Reuters/Tim Wimborne

On Monday, NBN Co presented a media release jointly with Senator Mathias Cormann which focused on the updated corporate plan of the company for 2016. It indicated its readiness to deliver high-speed broadband connections to all Australian homes and businesses within 2020.

According to the current status, one out of 10 Australians can easily access NBN connections but it is estimated that by June 2018, with around 75 per cent population will be able to access broadband over the network. The number of people served will double every year for the coming three years, ensuring over 2.6 million establishments enjoying network connection until the end of June 2016.

The government found 1.6 million places last year that had either very poor connection or no connectivity at all. The 2016 corporate plan aims at achieving what was lacking for so many years. To fulfil this requirement, NBN is planning to invest in one of the major telecom companies and educate around 4,500 workers on the skills needed for speeding up the construction workforce.

The broadband policy adopted by the government does not favour the usage of any specific technology. Hence, NBN is open to using mix of technologies to make the network connectivity time and cost-efficient. NBN has significant experience in setting FTTP, with the help of which it can easily determine the funds required and time needed for an all-FTTP set-up.

The funds required for the purpose will range from AU$74 billion to AU$84 billion, with the project completion time extended to 2028. Meanwhile, the MTM approach ensures completion by 2020, with fund requirement ranging from AU$46 billion to AU$56 billion. The government is looking forward to the completion of the project as soon as possible along with budget not increasing the limit of taxpayers.

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