New extended deadline for Applications The Department has extended the deadline for Applications to 5.00pm AEST, Friday, 31 October 2008.
The Department is currently undertaking a detailed assessment of new Optus wireless broadband services to determine whether they meet the definition of metro-comparable under the ABG Program.
The goal of the ABG is to provide access to metro-comparable broadband services to all Australians. This includes recognising where commercial internet service providers establish sustainable terrestrial broadband infrastructure in areas that are currently under-served. As such, the classification of Optus as a Category A Provider across a large part of the country would have a significant effect on the way the ABG Program operates. We recognise that this may create some uncertainty for ABG applicants in relation to proposed service areas.
Consequently, the Department has decided to further extend the closing date for applications for the 2008—09 ABG Program until 31 October 2008. This further extension will allow the Department time to properly review technical and coverage information supplied by Optus and better inform prospective Providers about priority service areas for the future. However, in order to expedite the registration of new service areas we reserve the right to immediately consider and register any proposed terrestrial service areas that are received before the 19th September 2008, the previous notified closing date for applicants.
Applicants must provide two complete, unbound, signed and dated copies of the application and all supporting documentation, and one complete electronic copy on CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. Electronic documents must be provided in a Microsoft-compatible format or be accessible using Microsoft tools. Geo-spatial information such as maps should be provided in MapInfo TAB file format.
Applications received by email will not be accepted.
The Department will advise applicants by email on the receipt of an application. If you have not received an email acknowledgement within five working days of lodging your application, please contact the Department immediately at the address below.
