Govt launches bid to build state broadband network
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The Tasmanian Government has launched a bid to build the Tasmanian section of the national broadband network.
It's the only State Government to submit an application.
The Premier, David Bartlett, says if the Government is successful in its bid the project will provide jobs for decades to come and underpin the state's economic strength.
He says he can't reveal any details except to say the Government has lodged a $5 million bond to be involved in the process.
Several companies including Optus have submitted a bid to build the national broadband network.
Telstra says it has only submitted an incomplete bid because the Federal Government hasn't addressed certain issues.
The Tasmanian Government has only just resolved a two-year commercial stand-off to provide Tasmanians with faster, cheaper broadband.
The Basslink fibre optic cable has now been commercialised after a multi-million dollar delay in negotiation.
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