conroy confuses rural network spread, page-4

nonsitap, thanks for answers, some good points raised by you.

I shoudda waited cos there’s as lot more brewing in Canberra & in the real world about this NBN & TLS. Seems Messrs Rudd & Conroy are willing to fork out unlimited funds to rush legislation through and also favourably influence the market - But it wont be that easy.

Article in today’s AFR ; “Opposition bid to derail Telstra split” states - the Rudd government's plan for Telstra could fail amid increasing criticism of the proposed restructuring.

Items included:

• Independent Senators backed the coalition plan and said that there should be no rush to pass the reform this year.
• Delay or Amendments to the government's plan would reduce pressure on Mr. Thodey and work to his advantage.
• Senator Barnaby Joyce representing rural interests backed the coalition approach.
• The NBN network is preparing to seek advice from investment bankers as it continues crunch negotiations with Telstra
• Senator Conroy hopes negotiations and talks with Telstra will end in an ambitious Christmas deadline to agree to ‘heads of terms’.
• NBN Co executive chairman Mike Quigley said that the company – charged with creating the most ambitious broadband network in the world – was looking at all options for potential acquisitions to kickstart the project.
• In committee hearings yesterday, Future Fund officials expressed concern about the reform plans, Mr Costello –“I think there are significant negative risks for Telstra.”