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Australian Government broadband initiatives
Connect Australia
On 17 August 2005, the Australian Government announced a $1.1 billion communications package for regional access to telecommunications services.
Connect Australia will rollout improved broadband to people living in regional, rural and remote areas, extend mobile phone coverage, build new regional communications networks and set up vital telecommunications services for remote Indigenous communities.
In addition, the $2 billion Communications Fund has been established and will be used to deliver an income stream to fund Government responses to the recommendations of future legislated reviews into regional telecommunications.
The first regular review will commence before the end of 2008.
The Australian Broadband Guarantee
The Australian Broadband Guarantee provides affordable access to metro–comparable broadband services across Australia. The Australian Broadband Guarantee is designed to address remaining broadband blackspots in metropolitan and rural Australia.
The Australian Broadband Guarantee operates in a very simple way. Any Australian resident or small business that is unable to get a metro–comparable broadband service at their principal address is eligible to receive a subsidised service under the Guarantee. This can be either a registered terrestrial service or a satellite service, depending on availability.
Broadband Connect Infrastructure program
The Broadband Connect Infrastructure program will support a small number of large scale infrastructure projects. It will also leverage additional funding from the private sector and state and territory governments to extend the reach of broadband across rural, regional and remote Australia.
The program will build on the billion dollar investment the Australian Government has already made in rural, regional and remote communications by encouraging the roll–out of large scale, sustainable and scalable networks across Australia.
Clever Networks
The $113 million Clever Networks program will provide broadband networks in regional areas to improve the delivery of health, education and other essential services.
Backing Indigenous Ability
The $89.9 million Backing Indigenous Ability program will improve communications services in Indigenous communities, with a particular focus on remote areas. The program is expected to provide phones to remote communities, upgrade and support many public Internet access points, replace ageing and unreliable radio infrastructure and strengthen access to the cultural benefits of Indigenous television.
Useful sites for consumers
Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
Australian Communications and Media Authority
Government organisations that can help in resolving a dispute with a broadband provider
Many Government organisations offer assistance in helping consumers resolve disputes with service providers. However, before you approach a Government organisation, it is important to follow our three step guide to resolving a complaint.
Most Government organisations will want evidence that you have taken reasonable steps to try and resolve the dispute before they will intervene.
Australian Communications and Media Authority—for consumer assistance in relation to online content, online security and radio frequency issues
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission—for consumer issues in relation to advertised services, and fair conduct by corporations (under the Trade Practices Acts 1974)
State & territory consumer protection and fair trading agencies—for fair trading by businesses in a particular state or territory.
SCAMwatch—for consumer issues related to internet scams.