Australia requests bids for $8.8 bln broadband network

The Australian government has called for bids for an $8.8 billion high-speed broadband network that will help the country catch up in competitiveness with its peers. Australia has slower and more expensive Internet access than many other developed countries and officials have warned Australia may become less competitive without faster, nationwide coverage. Communications Minister Stephen Conroy said in a statement late on Friday the government wanted the fiber network to deliver minimum speeds of 12 megabits per second to 98 percent of Australian homes. About 64 percent of homes have broadband now. The vast distances in Australia and often inhospitable terrain make full penetration difficult. The government is offering $4.4 billion in funding, which it wants the winning firm to match. Proposals are due by July 25 and a decision is expected in October.
http://www.reuters.com/article/internetNews/idUSSYD11295820080412