Luke Hartsuyker: delays in the rollout of the NBN could see more satellite and fixed wireless used

Geoff Long - COMMSDAY

Shadow regional communications minister Luke Hartsuyker says delays in the rollout of the NBN could see more satellite and fixed wireless used in the network, making it more like the previous Coalition government’s OPEL plan that was scrapped by the current administration.

In his keynote address at the Australasia Satellite Forum, Hartsuyker reiterated the oppositions support for broadband generally and wireless technologies in particular, but he questioned the decision of NBN Co to build and operate its own satellites.

“In principle, using wireless and satellite to reach remote Australia is consistent with the Coalition’s position. However, as with everything this Labor Government does, the devil is in the detail. I have spoken to a range of stakeholders about NBN Co’s decision to own and operate dedicated satellites, and there are many unanswered questions,” he said in his address.

“There are a number of global companies, some represented in this room, with the experience and expertise to provide whatever capacity the government requests, without the associated risk of owning and operating single purpose satellites,” he claimed.

“We must also consider the possibility that satellite and wireless will play a larger role in the finished NBN than is currently planned. We know that the NBN is behind schedule, over budget, and failing to meet take-up goals and, crucially, therefore failing to generate forecast revenue.”

“The longer this trend continues, the more likely it becomes that fewer and fewer homes and businesses will ever see a fibre optic connection to their door and will instead be offered wireless or satellite services.

And yes, that will mean that the NBN comes increasingly to look much like the Coalition’s OPEL plan which the Government scrapped,” the shadow minister said.

According to Hartsuyker, the Coalition will not undo existing work; however, he suggested it would first need to examine contracts before making a decision. “Obviously, we will not be ripping up cables. We will need to take stock of where the NBN stands, work out how we can get the best return for the taxpayer from the infrastructure that has been built, and then return to the task of extending the high-speed network in a cost-effective way. The contractual situation the new government inherits will also be a key factor in determining how to move forward.”

The shadow minister's remarks were welcomed by a number of satellite companies. Skybridge CEO Michael Abela said he was pleased that the satellite service was likely to continue. “I think the interesting thing is that regardless of the political persuasions any of us may have there is long future for satellite. The interim solution is now in and working, there is no alternative and both political persuasions are going to recognise that there is a large rural vote base out there that needs to be serviced and it would be a very brave political party that would withdraw services once they are in,” Abela said.

NBN Co satellite product manager Oliver Stacey also welcomed the Opposition's support for the sector. “It's good to hear there is general consensus. I think if there is any area that has been identified as partly contentious it's related to the cost associated with that program. All I have to say there is we are and have been chartered to deliver a metro-equivalent service and we've tried to deliver services that are broadband that will be the equivalent of those metro services,” Stacey said.