Andrew Connor Digital Tasmania
“The fact remains Tasmania should never have been in this position, the State Government dropped the ball in not getting the fibre lit before National Grid sold it last year, now we are playing catch up.”
MEDIA RELEASE
HIGH TIME FOR BASSLINK RESOLUTION
(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)
Launceston, TAS, 22 September 2008 – Digital Tasmania today welcomed news that the Treasurer continues to take a keen interest in activation of the Basslink Fibre optic cable, however the group said that there is no reason to celebrate until the cable is activated and providing competitive access for Tasmanians to the Internet and other services.
Andrew Connor, spokesperson for Digital Tasmania said that a resolution to the Basslink fibre optic cable situation was long overdue. “The fact remains Tasmania should never have been in this position, the State Government dropped the ball in not getting the fibre lit before National Grid sold it last year, now we are playing catch up.”
Digital Tasmania said that according to industry sources, activation of the fibre optic cable should lead to reduced Internet access charges for consumers by as much as $15/month through a reduction in wholesale costs and an increase in competition.
Mr Connor said that the cable operator, Basslink Pty Ltd, has passed their stated timeline for activation of the cable and remains silent on the issue despite repeated attempts by the state government to reach an agreement.
Basslink outlined their timetable in a presentation at The Australian Telecommunications Users Group (ATUG) 2008 Regional Conference in May of this year, which called for the cable to be operational and providing commercial wholesale access by Q3 of 2008.[1]
“As we’ve come to the end of their stated window for activation with no sign of wholesale activity, the ball is now clearly in Basslink’s court to explain the continuing delays.” Mr Connor said.
About Digital Tasmania:
Digital Tasmania is a consumer action group, created to give a voice to the views and needs of Tasmanian consumers in the digital age. More information can be found on the group’s website, http://www.digitaltasmania.org/
