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As a means by which Australians connect to the internet and the wider information economy, telecommunications infrastructure is crucial to the ongoing development of our information economy.
Since 1996, the Coalition has undertaken major regulatory reform of the telecommunications sector, resulting in the creation of a fully open and competitive telecommunications market and the entry of over 80 new carriers. This has been the catalyst for the development of new high speed networks and the reduction in costs for the electronic delivery of information and content to markets in Australia and overseas.
The Coalition believes that the most appropriate and efficient means of supporting the rollout of fast, reliable and affordable high-speed data networks is through promoting an open, competitive and technology-neutral telecommunications market. This approach is supported by the OECD. The regulatory environment has enabled numerous carriers in the market to rollout broadband networks throughout Australia via a range of technologies including ADSL, cable, satellite and wireless.
The Coalition has directed the Australian Communications Authority to work with the Internet industry to develop industry guidelines on internet service provision. These guidelines will assist users to make informed choices about the cost and level of services provided by ISPs. The guidelines will include issues such as price, contract periods, ratio of users to ports, ratio of users to incoming lines, customer service arrangements, back up facilities and the technical aspects of installing and maintaining a service with an ISP (eg modem settings and compatibility and security of service). These guidelines are expected to be in place in the first half of 2002.
The RTIF Networking the Nation and others sych as the US "E-Rate" have proved to be effective programs for increasing access in communities, especially those which are in remote areas. The Greens would support further extension and funding for programs of this kind, especially to promote the development of connected local communities around schools and libraries in these areas.
Solving communications access problems is of vital importance to Australia. The current and previous government's communications policy legacy is an infrastructure mess: either feast or famine, and higher costs for all as a result. There are no simple ways to quickly fix these fundamental problems. The proposed inquiry would be the first step toward solutions.