Discussing the coalition’s broadband plans confirms to me that there isn’t a huge divide between alternate plans for the National Broadband Network. Except the cost, of course.
In this week’s CrossTalk podcast you’ll hear Malcolm Turnbull, shadow communications minister, say that he supports fibre to the premises, so long as it’s affordable. That affordability could vary from area to area.
“Bingo!” he cried, when I suggested the best approach is whatever makes sense in the local geography.
That means he’s not wedded to a fibre to the node deployment, at least not universally. He believes the solution should not be prescribed by the government of the day, rather it should be left to the network builders to determine.
I wonder whether, if he had his time again, Senator Conroy would have reached the same conclusion.
In this half hour interview with Malcolm Turnbull we also discuss the basis for his cost benefit analysis. Shouldn’t it reflect the economic benefits, for example, rather than just the financial return on investment? And how can he ensure national pricing parity if competitors can undercut NBNCo in contestable areas?
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54% fibre and counting
Using a fibre connection in Japan is the most common way of accessing the internet. Why are we so far behind?
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Yields higher, jabs faster, inflation expectations lower
Bond yields hit higher on Friday. NAB’s Tapas Strickland says inflation expectations have been falling, whilst the cyclical rotation story continues to dominate equity markets.
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Market whiplash as sentiment takes a hit
Market sentiment staged a massive turnaround, with sentiment taking a hit. NAB’s Gavin Friend says markets might believe in a softer landing is possible in the US when base effects will help lower inflation later in the year.
