Second-best fiber-to-the-node Internet infrastructure likely to be more expensive

Credit: NBN/Gizmodo

Australia is in the process of upgrading its largely copper based Internet infrastructure, under the project name of the National Broadband Network (NBN). A change of government resulted in a downgrade from a planned all-fibre network to a “multi-technology mix” (MTM), as a cost-reduction measure. Included in MTM is fibre-to-the-node-copper-to-the-premises & the existing HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coaxial) cables previously used for Pay-TV.

Over the last few years, Australia's Internet infrastructure has fallen from 30th to 60th in world speed rankings. Neighbours New Zealand & Malaysia both have higher Internet speeds, Malaysia, around 100 time faster!

Widespread dissatisfaction with the MTM model is likely to be fanned by a claim by former NBN boss, Mike Quigley, speaking at the Melbourne University Networked Society Institute, that rather than yielding a saving, MTM is likely to be more expensive.

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2016/06/former-nbn-boss-reveals-copper-will-cost-more-than-fibre-optic/?utm_source=Gizmodo+Australia&utm_campaign=8302da18f5-gizmodo_2016_06_23&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_7a0c493e18-8302da18f5-278887065

http://www.zdnet.com/article/nbn-shift-to-fttn-a-colossal-mistake-that-will-burden-australia-former-nbn-ceo/

http://www.news.com.au/technology/online/nbn/founding-nbn-chief-mike-quigleys-simple-indictment-of-the-multi-technology-nbn/news-story/de6588be072e36e271245a711264f0db / former NBN boss CEO Mike Quigley Melbourne University Networked Society Institute current copper-based FTTN strategy costing more original fibre-optic model lobby group Internet Australia call for a review of the National Broadband Network Quigley says FTTP rollout cost $45 billion finished by 2021 Internet Australia CEO Laurie Patton so much uncertainty disagreement NBN strategy costings establish some clarity Communications Minister Mitch Fifield Mr Quigley’s assessment real genuine concern technical circles in the public arena affecting confidence in the project causing people to be hesitant to sign up Australia fallen 60th global speed rankings 30th just a few years ago New Zealand out-performing Singapore our biggest regional competitor delivers broadband speeds 100 times faster slide relative to our peers will continue even as the NBN is being built rely on the current technology mix only a fibre-based broadband network will provide Internet speeds reliability of service needed in the 21st Century recent members survey 80 percent of respondents dissatisfied extremely dissatisfied so-called multi-technology mix (MTM) model fibre replaced by copper inclusion old HFC cables Hybrid Fiber Coaxial Pay-TV Internet Australia Internet is an essential service underpin Australia’s social and economic progress all Australians must have reliable affordable access high quality high bandwidth broadband service both upstream downstream traffic wherever they live work Internet reach potential for good essential make it available to everyone ability participate in our digitally enabled future basic right of all Australians gaining employment dealing with government engaging wide range of community activities increasingly require digital skills build our economic social future connected world everyone has access to the Internet knows how to use it solution is simple wins upcoming election hold a review strategic technical direction NBN make public true costs this nation building project independently verified /