Palaszczuk Government to explore quicker, cheaper internet options for Queensland
November 09, 2017
The quest for faster, cheaper internet access for regional Queensland is behind the Palaszczuk Government’s move to explore the use of spare capacity on publicly-owned optical fibre networks to increase competition.
Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said Labor’s decision to retain public-ownership of assets – such as Ergon and Powerlink – opened up a chance to boost network connectivity and regional choice.
“The only reason this opportunity can be explored is due to the Palaszczuk Government’s decision to scrap the LNP’s planned sale of public assets,” Ms Enoch said.
“By utilising the Queensland Government-owned fibre network – which stretches over 4000 kilometres – the potential exists for faster and cheaper internet access right along the east coast of Queensland and out to Mt Isa.
“The fibre network runs up the east coast and through centres such as Mackay, Rockhampton, Cairns and Townsville – reaching as far north as Port Douglas – while also extending to centres like Toowoomba, Roma and Mt Isa.
“Providing access to this extra capacity offers an opportunity for smaller, local internet service providers to enter the market, increase competition and drive down prices for regional Queenslanders.
“Better and cheaper connectivity for regional and remote communities means greater access to digital technologies to run a business, improve education, access e-health services or reskill for new jobs.
“Digital connectivity is an important component of diversifying our state’s economy and improved access will ensure we remain an attractive investment destination and are competitive in global markets.”
Ms Enoch said the work being undertaken is also a response to skyrocketing complaints about the high-cost and low-reliability of Malcolm Turnbull’s National Broadband Network.
“We cannot address the disastrous roll-out of NBN under the Turnbull Government, but we – as a state government – can see what spare capacity we have to give better, cheaper, and faster internet access to support regional Queensland to grow.”
The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman reported there were 28,988 complaints from Queensland last financial year which was 42 per cent higher than 2015-16 and of the complaints 42 per cent – or 12,325 – were complaints about internet services.
Ms Enoch also announced a re-elected Palaszczuk Government will commit $15 million from the Jobs and Regional Growth Fund to the Sunshine Coast International Broadband Submarine Cable Project to generate local business, new investment and improve digital capacity for Queensland.
“A re-elected Palaszczuk Government will back Sunshine Coast Council’s game-changing project, which will act as a catalyst for business growth and creating jobs,” she said.
It’s estimated the proposed submarine cable and associated facilities will deliver a potential economic boost of $453 million to the Sunshine Coast, and $927 million to Queensland. It’s also expected to create more than 800 full time jobs per annum on the Sunshine Coast.
Labor candidate for Glass House Brent Hampstead said the project will help position the Sunshine Coast as Australia’s leading smart city region.
"This cable will put the region on the map as an internet gateway,” he said.
“It will help to provide additional capacity for Queensland businesses to engage in the global digital economy.”
Labor candidate for Caloundra Jason Hunt said the international link into the Sunshine Coast would be the only link on Australia's east coast outside of Sydney.
“The cable is expected to bring a faster, more reliable and more affordable broadband network to the eastern seaboard,” he said.
“As a result, it is hoped the cable will attract businesses with high technology and broadband needs.”
