So it's only going to cost $65 billion to get what we already had, but had taken away from us?

When Optus first started, they offered a download rate that cannot be bought from any Tel-co anymore. We could download 20 songs simultaneously in the same time it now takes to download 3.

I'd like to know what it is that we're supposed to get for that $65 billion. We had fast Internet, but it was taken away so that the Telco's could make more profit than they already did. They introduced quantified download and speed rates, which they could charge differently, and more for.

Can you imagine telephones working on the same basis, and yet, it is basically the same technology today? Can you imagine your telephone calls being limited by the amount of conversation? Because that's what we currently accept as standard with the Internet.

I used to get unlimited Internet access from Optus at breakneck speed for $40 per month, and their best plan today is not as fast, nor does it allow as much data, since it is capped, as they all are amongst the major players.

My point being, they have been ripping us off blind for years with an inferior service geared towards profit and not service provision...you only have to try to call them to work that out...if you want to purchase something, you get an operator immediately. If you require assistance or have a complaint, there's a complex and convoluted menu system to get through to finally be put on hold. And hopefully, you'll be making that call from your mobile, and so just burning money waiting for "service".

Ergo, they don't require tax-payer funding, nor do they deserve it. They have tendered to gain license to provide electronic communications services. So then, provide it! Why should we throw another $65 billion at them? What's in it for us?

So-called "competition" from the privatisation of electronic communications, has created competition of who can profit most. It's who gives a better return to their investors, not who gives a better service and rate.

The cost of the NBN seems to be of no importance to very many individuals because the Government will pay for it.
$43 billion divided by the whole Australian population of 22 million equals $1954.54 for each individual.
Apply the average family, 2.4 and each family will have to contribute $4,691 to have the roll out completed.
It may have escaped the notice of many Australians that the Government doesn't have its own money. It has yours and mine.
It tries its hardest to get your money through taxes. I know I try my best to stop tham getting mine but I'm not that clever.
I read somewhere that a big part of the cost of the NBN rollout was bringing it to every household; that it would be very much cheaper to bring the cable to the end of the street and those who want it can pay to have it extended to their property.

phoenix94>>I read somewhere that a big part of the cost of the NBN rollout was bringing it to every household; that it would be very much cheaper to bring the cable to the end of the street and those who want it can pay to have it extended to their property.

Now that make sense. A user pays approach. It would have been nice to have had some costings released on this option.