Effort required to put NBN back on track: Communications Alliance

Significant effort is required to bring the National Broadband Network (NBN) project back onto a successful trajectory, the Communications Alliance says.

Communications Alliance CEO John Stanton said the Strategic Review report and the statements made by Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull are sobering news for the telecommunications industry.

“We are still digesting the analysis and recommendations, but we welcome the frankness of the review and the pragmatic approach to assessing the re-engineering options that now lie before us,” Stanton said.

Stanton emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum in the current NBN rollout, despite the risks to immediate progress inherent in multiple reviews and recasting of plans.

The Communications Alliance is heavily involved in a range of NBN operational projects, including the revision of codes and standards to facilitate the rollout of VDSL-2 and Vectoring, future local number portability arrangements, customer transfer mechanisms and the migration of over-the-top devices (such as personal medical alarms) to the NBN.

Stanton said that if the government went down the path of a multitechnology rollout there were obvious challenges to introducing additional access technologies into the NBN equation, which would require a continuing strong focus on ensuring fit-for-purpose industry codes and standards, as noted in the Strategic Review report.

“A more complex mix of technologies also throws emphasis on ensuring coherent, user-friendly interfaces between NBN Co and service providers, where Communications Alliance is well placed to assist,” said Stanton.

Stanton also congratulated Bill Morrow on his appointment as CEO of NBN Co.

“Anyone who has worked with Bill during his time at Vodafone in Australia can attest to his energy, vision, customer commitment and ability as a game-changer - all worthy attributes that will be needed in quantity in this challenging new role,” Stanton said.