Timeline of Events – The National Broadband Network (NBN) – Australia

2007

21 March 2007
ALP announces plans to build a national high-speed broadband network for $4.7 billion.

Labor proposes to sell up to $2.7 billion in Telstra shares held in the Future Fund to help pay for the project. They propose connecting 98 per cent of the population.

 24 November 2007
The Australian Labor Party wins the Federal Election.

The creation of a National Broadband Network is a major policy platform with a commitment to provide 12mbps to 98% of homes and premises.

Government commits to provide $4.7b in funding.

2008

13 February 2008

Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Communications Fund) Bill 2008 introduced.

11 March 2008
Government announces formation of an ‘Expert Panel’ to assess future proposals. Members comprise:

• John Wylie, Lazard Carnegie Wylie CEO.
• Tony Mitchell, Allphones Chairman.
• Laureate Professor Rod Tucker, University of Melbourne.
• Professor Emeritus of Communications, Reg Coutts, University of Adelaide.
• Tony Shaw, former Australian Communications Authority Chairman.
• Dr Ken Henry AC, Treasury Secretary.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to provide advice on pricing and competition issues and deliver a written report to the Panel.

17 March 2008
Government requests comment on future Request for Proposals (RFP). Submissions close 30 March

19 March 2008
Telecommunications Legislation Amendment Bill 2008 introduced to allow collection of private network information for the purposes of the RFP.
Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Communications Fund) Bill 2008 referred to Senate Standing Committee for inquiry

11 April 2008
RFP announced. Terms include either Fibre to the Node (FTTN) or Fibre to the Premises (FTTP).

Conditions include lodgement of AU $5m financial bond and signing of Confidentiality Deed. Closing date for proposals given as 25 July 2008.
Regulatory Review of Telecommunications sector announced. Submissions close 25 June Request for submissions on broadband solutions for remote areas. Submissions close 30 June 2008

13 May 2008
Government announces:

• establishment of the Building Australia Fund (BAF)
• Communications Fund to be closed and funds transferred to BAF.
• National Broadband Network funded through BAF.
• Communications Fund Bill 2008 to be discharged.

15 May 2008
Telecommunications Legislation Amendment Bill 2008 to allow collection of private network information passed.

22 May 2008
Closing date for submissions in response to the RFP altered to ’12 weeks from the date all material is made available’.

23 May 2008
Closing date for signing of Confidentiality Deed and deposit of AU $5m bond.

25 June 2008
Senate Select Committee established to report on the NBN.

2 July 2008
Regulatory Review submissions made available.

18 July 2008
Government releases draft instruments detailing existing network information to be provided for the NBN, and safeguard rules.

7 August 2008
Final network information instruments released

3 September 2008
Revised closing date for submissions in response to the RFP given as 26 November 2008

26 November 2008
Receipt of submissions (not named) announced. Submitters: Telstra, Acacia, Optus/Terria, Axia, Transact, Tasmanian Government. Submissions forwarded to ‘Expert Panel’ and the ACCC for consideration.

15 December 2008
Government confirms Telstra excluded from the RFP process “…. for failing to submit a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Participation Plan, which is one of five mandatory requirements of the RFP.” http://www.minister.dbcde.gov.au/media/media_releases/2008/097

22 December 2008
Senate Select Committee releases 1^st Interim Report on NBN

2009

22 January 2009
Final report by ‘Expert Panel’ received by Government.

7 April 2009
Government announces termination of RFP process on advice from ‘Expert Panel’ “….that none of the national proposals offered value for money.  http://www.dbcde.gov.au/broadband/national_broadband_network

Government reveals plans for a new NBN project:

• Wholesale open-access network.
• FTTP to 90% of premises with D/L speed of 100mbps
• Wireless/satellite services to 10% with D/L speeds of 12mbps or more.
• Cost up to $43b funded by a Public/Private partnership.
• Government funding through the Building Australia Fund and the issuance of Aussie Infrastructure Bonds (AIBs)
• Maximum private interest of 49%
• Government intending to sell down it’s interest 5 years after completion dependent on conditions.
• 8 years build time

Government announces FTTP network to commence rollout in Tasmania as early as July 2009 by Tasmanian Government and state owned Aurora Energy
Regulatory Reform paper released for discussion. Submissions close 3 June 2009

9 April 2009
Government lodges Application for Registration of Company with ASIC for the purposes of the NBN. Company to be known by it’s Australian Company Number 136 533 741

21 April 2009
Leader of the Opposition requests that the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) conduct an audit of the RFP process.

23 April 2009
Government releases stakeholder consultation paper on the backhaul blackspots initiative. Submissions close 12 May 2009

24 April 2009
Government releases tender documents for a lead advisory role for the NBN Implementation Study.

29 April 2009 
KPMG commence contract to provide Financial Investment advice for Tas NBN. End 26 Feb 2010

12 May 2009
Government Budget. Commits $4.7b initial investment in NBN funded from the Building Australia Fund. Includes $250m for regional blackspots program.
Senate Select Committee on NBN releases 2^nd interim report
Consultel commence contract to provide technical advice for TasNBN. End 26 Feb 2010

13 May 2009
Senate Select Committee terms of reference revised to accommodate new NBN plans. Submissions close 3 July 2009 (late submissions accepted) Final report due
23 November 2009
Senate votes in favour of a motion to refuse consideration of any bill relating to the Government‘s new national broadband network unless the Government makes public two reports concerning its original national broadband network proposal.

20 May 2009
KPMG commence contract to provide commercial consultancy for Regional Blackspots Program. End 31 July 2009

29 May 2009
Government calls for submissions on mandatory FTTP for new housing estates from 1 July 2010. Submissions close 12 June 2009

12 June 2009
Regulatory Reform submissions made available.

24 June 2009
Tender for provision of legal services in connection to the NBN Implementation Study released. Close – 20 July 2009

 25 June 2009
Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (NBN Measures No. 1) Bill 2009 introduced in the Senate for the collection of network information from telecommunications carriers and other utilities. Referred to Senate Standing Committee. Report due by 17 August 2009

1 July 2009
Backhaul rollout to 6 regional locations as part of the Regional Backbone Blackspot Program announced with release of competitive tenders. Close – 5 August 2009. Locations are:

• Emerald and Longreach, Queensland.
• Geraldton, Western Australia.
• Darwin, Northern Territory.
• Broken Hill, New South Wales.
• Victor Harbor, South Australia.
• South West Gippsland, Victoria.

3 July 2009
Request for Submissions on legislative framework for NBN issued. Closing date of 30 July 2009.

16 July 2009
Start of Stage 1 of NBN rollout in Tasmania  with release of tenders by Tasmanian Government. Close – 14 August 2009

20 July 2009
Tender released for provision of services to build, operate and maintain backbone transmission links to the locations under the Regional Backbone Blackspots Program, Close – 5 August 2009

25 July 2009
Government announces appointment of Mike Quigley as CEO of NBN company, and Doug Campbell as chair of Tasmanian NBNco.
Also announces provision of backhaul along five routes in Tasmania:

• Port Latta to Smithton
• Cambridge to Midway Point
• Midway Point to Triabunna
• George Town to Scottsdale
• Scottsdale to St Helens

6 August 2009
Government announces further appointments to board of NBN company; Mr Doug Campbell, Mr Peter Hay, Ms Siobhan McKenna, Ms Diane Smith-Gander and Mr Gene Tilbrook.
McKinsey & Company and KPMG appointed as Lead Advisors for the NBN Implementation Study. Anticipated completion date February 2010

13 August 2009
‘Tasmania NBN Co Ltd’ established as a wholly owned subsidiary of Australian Company Number 136 533 741.
Directors: Mr Doug Campbell (Executive Chairman), Ms Alison Terry, Mr Jody Fassina and Mr Greg McCann.
3 further appointments to be announced.

14 August 2009
Government release submissions received on FTTP in Greenfield Estates. Announces formation of Stakeholder Advisory Group.

17 August 2009
Senate report on Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (NBN Measures No. 1) Bill 2009 released supporting proposed legislation.

19 August 2009
Government introduces Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (National Broadband Network Measures – Network Information) Bill 2009 in House of Representatives. Bill materially the same as the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (NBN Measures No. 1) Bill 2009 introduced in the Senate on 25 June 2009

21 August 2009
Government announces final three board members for Tasmania NBN Co

• Mark Kelleher,
• Dr Daniel Norton
• Sean Woellner.

1 September 2009
Tasmania NBN Co Ltd name changed to ‘NBN Tasmania Limited’

3 September 2009
Government releases submissions received on NBN Legislative Framework

7 September 2009
Government legislates change of name ‘Australian Company Number 136 533 741’ to ‘NBN Co Ltd’.

15 September 2009
Government releases proposed regulatory legislative amendments to the Telecommunications Act 1997 (Competition and Consumer Safeguards Bill 2009). Measures concerning Telstra include provisions for structural/functional separation, divestment of Foxtel holdings, HFC cable assets, and limitations on future wireless spectrum acquisition.

17 September 2009
Senate refers Competition and Consumer Safeguards Bill 2009 to Senate Standing Committee on Environment, Communications and the Arts. Submissions close 7 October 2009. Report due 26 October 2009.

9 October 2009
Corning Cable Systems awarded contract for supply of fibre optic cable for NBN Tasmania pilot project

21 October 2009
Announcement of Stage 2 of Tas NBN rollout, incorporating; Sorell, Deloraine, George Town, St Helens, Triabunna, Kingston Beach and South Hobart.
Legislative amendments to the Telecommunications Act 1997 (Competition and Consumer Safeguards Bill 2009) passed by House of Representatives

23 October 2009
Government tables sections of the ACCC report to the Expert Panel on the NBN

26 October 2009
Senate Standing Committee enquiry into the ‘Competition and Consumer Safeguards Bill 2009’ report delivered and recommends passage of bill.

19 November 2009
Senate refers matter of disclosure of RFP documentation to Finance and Public Administration References Committee for inquiry under a review of independent arbitration of public interest immunity . Report due 2 February 2010.

25 November 2009
Senate Select Committee on NBN releases 3^rd Report.

26 November 2009
Senate Select Committee terms of reference revised to enable scrutiny of NBN Implementation Study. Final report due by 30 April 2010

 

4 December 2009
Nextgen Networks awarded contract to build backhaul under the $250 million Regional Backbone Blackspots Program. Nextgen Networks to operate and maintain the backhaul links for 5 yrs.

7 December 2009
NBN Co requests ‘Capability Statements’ from potential FTTP suppliers. “Indicative” timetable -:

• receipt of capability statements by 21 December 2009
• briefing short-listed candidates by 3 February 2010
• issue RFP on 15 February 2010
• deadline for receipt of proposals on 15 March 2010

 11 December 2009
‘John Holland’ awarded contract to install backbone fibre for NBN Tasmania’s pilot trial. Anticipated completion date – March 2010

15 December 2009
Opticomm contracted to provide wholesale active infrastructure for Tasmania pilot trial in Smithton, Scottsdale and Midway Point

18 December 2009
NBN Co and Telstra agree on ‘Terms of Engagement’ regarding discussions on a “….preferred model for any agreement which would see a progressive transition from Telstra’s copper access network to a fibre to the premise National Broadband Network.” http://www.minister.dbcde.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/117

21 December 2009
NBN Co releases consultation paper: ‘Proposed Wholesale Fibre Bitstream Products’. Submissions close 12 February 2010

23 December 2009
Government releases draft legislation for Fibre In Greenfield Estates: Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Fibre Deployment)Bill 2010
Additional board members appointed to NBN Co Ltd. Mr Clem Doherty & Mr Terrence Francis.

2010

19 January 2010
NBN Co Ltd requests ‘Capability Statements’ for the delivery and operation of satellite internet services prior to invitations to participate in an RFP.
Close 15 February 2010

27 January 2010
Carrier licence granted to NBN Tasmania Ltd.

3 February 2010
Senate Finance and Public Administration References Committee recommends not adopting proposed independent arbitration over public interest immunity claims, thereby blocking forced disclosure of RFP documentation.
Auditor General report on initial RFP process released.

17 February 2010
‘Nextgen’ commences rollout of backhaul in Mt Isa for Darwin – Toowoomba link under the Regional Backbone Blackspot Program. Estimated completion of Darwin-Longreach section – 18months.

 18 February 2010
Comms Alliance releases draft of ‘NBN – Overview of Technical Standards’ for comment.

19 February 2010
NBNCo issues ‘Request for Capability Statement’ for the build, implementation and ongoing maintenance of Business and Operational Support Systems and Services (BSS/OSS) Software. Close 15 March 2010

24 February 2010
Government releases draft legislation – ‘National Broadband Network Companies Bill 2010’ and ‘Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (National Broadband Network Measures—Access Arrangements) Bill 2010’ for comment. Submissions close – 15 March 2010

28 February 2010
NBNCo publishes official website.

1 March 2010
Government announces $100m equity injection into NBN Tas to extend FTTH rollout to 40,000 premises in Hobart, 30,000 in Launceston and 10,000 in each of Burnie and Devonport

2 March 2010
NBNCo announces first build areas on mainland in selected locations in :

• Brunswick Vic
• Townsville Qld
• Armidale NSW
• Minnamurra and Kiama Downs NSW
• Willunga SA

3 March 2010
NBNCo announces appointment of Accenture for the provision of HR services.

5 March 2010
Implementation Study by McKinsey/KPMG forwarded to Government.

8 March 2010
NBNCo issues ‘Request for Capability Statement’ for the supply of FTTP passive network hardware. Close 22 March 2010.

12 March 2010
Senate Select Committee on NBN extends hearings until at least mid May 2010 to enable consideration of commercial operational aspects of draft ‘National Broadband Network Companies Bill 2010’ and NBN Implementation Study. Calls for new subsmissions. Close 30 March 2010.

15 March 2010
‘Proof of Concept’ test centre officially opened in Mornington, Tas.
iiNet, Internode and iPrimus named as first ISPs to sell services on Tasmania’s national broadband network (NBN) fibre link.

18 March 2010
Government introduces ‘Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Fibre Deployment) Bill 2010’ covering fibre deployment in greenfield estates. Passed in House of Reps. Senate refers Bill to Environment,Communication and the Arts Legislation Committee. Submissions close – 9 April 2010. Report due – 12 May 2010.
NBNCo Ltd granted Carrier License.

22 March 2010
Telstra advises of immediate cessation of contractual negotiations for installation of copper in new housing developments and that fibre optic will now be the only installation considered.

24 March 2010
Mr Harrison Young appointed Chairperson of NBN Co

25 March 2010
NBN Co releases submissions received in response to consultation paper: ‘Proposed Wholesale Fibre Bitstream Products’

29 March 2010
NBN Co issues ‘Request for Capability Statement’ for Design and Construction – Fibre Access Network. Close 27 April 2010.

1 April 2010
NBN Co announces further contract agreements with IBM, Oracle and Accenture for provision of software support for its core business functions. End 2013

7 April 2010
Senate Select Committee on NBN releases submissions received.

16 April 2010
Government releases discussion paper on subordinate legislation for Fibre in Greenfield Estates for comment. Close 3 May 2010

20 April 2010
Comms Alliance releases draft ‘Optical Access’ documentation for comment. Close 7 May 2010

30 April 2010
Seven construction companies named to design blueprints for first 5 mainland sites. Bilfinger Berger Services, Downer EDI Engineering, Service Stream Communications, Transfield Services, Visionstream Australia, GHD and Silcar

3 May 2010
Commmunications Alliance releases ‘Draft Release 2 National Broadband Network End User Premises Handbook’, ‘Draft National Broadband Network – Fibre To The Premises Planning – Express Conduit’, ‘Draft National Broadband Network – Fibre Ready Distribution Networks’, for comment. Close – 21 May 2010.

6 May 2010
NBN Implementation Study released. Public comment availiable. Close – 27 May 2010

12 May 2010
Senate Committee tables report on ‘Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Fibre Deployment) Bill 2010’. Recommends bill be passed.
Senate Committee on NBN report date extended until 17 June 2010. Further submissions called. Close – 27 May 2010

19 May 2010
Senate Committee on NBN releases 4^th interim report. Recommends that the Government abandon the NBN project.

21 May 2010
Construction of Regional Backhaul – Perth to Geraldton commences.

25 May 2010
Government defers compulsory installation of FiO in new housing estates until 1^st January 2011

26 May 2010
Government reveals ‘Cleminger Melbourne’ granted $16m contract to promote NBN

1 June 2010
NBN Network Operations Centre opened in Tasmania

13 June 2010
Government publishes general National Broadband Network website promoting NBN.

17 June 2010
Senate Select Committee on the NBN releases final report. Confirms recommendation of halting the NBN and undertaking a Cost Benefit Analysis.

20 June 2010
Government announces a ‘Financial Heads of Agreement’ between Telstra and NBNCo as the basis for further negotiations regarding NBNCo use of Telstra infrastructure and transfer of Telstra fixed line and cable customers. Agreement to be reviewed by ACCC. Future agreements to be approved by Telstra shareholders and Government. Government announces future formation of entity ‘USO Co’ to undertake provision of services included under Universal Service Obligations.

23 June 2010
NBNCo announces shortlist of 21 Australian companies including six utility companies to tender for the progressive rollout of the Fibre Access Network.
Government releases details of proposed amendments to the Competititon and Consumer Safeguards Bill 2009

24 June 2010
NBNCo announce contract with Alcatel-Lucent for the initial supply of Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) and Ethernet Aggregation equipment.

1 July 2010
Claimed first customer connection on NBN Tas in Midway Point.

3 July 2010
NBNCo announce National Operations and Test Facility to be located at Innovation Building, Docklands, Melb.

 4 July 2010
CommsAlliance releases draft ‘End User Migration Model’ for comment. Close 16 July 2010

8 July 2010
NBNCo announces new sites for roll out of NBN comprising 14 new locations and five sites adjacent to existing first release sites.

14 July 2010
NBNCo announces successful contractors for builds of passive optical fibre deployment in 1^st release sites.

17 July 2010
Federal election called for 21 August. Liberal Party policy to cancel NBN.

26 July 2010
Government announces 3% extension of FTTP rollout to 93% of premises.

30 July 2010
NBNCo releases maps indicating national rollout.

7 August 2010
NBNCo releases lists of cities and towns to be covered by FiO and Wireless

10 August 2010
Liberal/National Party Coalition releases Broadband and Telecommunications policy. Confirms intention to disband NBNCo and sell assets.

11 August 2010
NBNCo advises capability of D/L speeds of 1000 Mbps.

12 August 2010
Official launch of NBNCo Tas.
Telstra confirms contract to supply and install optical fibre network infrastructure for initial rollout in Brunswick, Melb.

?? August 2010
CommsAlliance releases draft discussion paper: ‘B2B Interaction Process Requirements Specification’ for comment. Close 3 September 2010.
CommsAlliance releases draft discussion paper: ‘Wholesale Service Definition Framework – Telephony Access Service’.

17 August 2010
NBNCo releases Product Overviews for Fibre, Wireless, and Satellite products for comment. Submissions close 2 September 2010

19 August 2010
NBNCo releases ‘Product Technical Specification Fibre Access Services’ documentation.

21 August 2010
Federal Election results in a hung Parliament. Future of the NBN in doubt.

23 August 2010
NBNCo freezes tender processes, employment programs, minimizes spending until new Government formed.

7 September 2010
Independent members align giving the Federal Labor Party a majority of 2 seats. Forms new government.

8 September 2010
NBNCo announces resumption of deferred processes

 14 September 2010
NBNCo offers extension on free FTTH installation to premises in 1st release sites. Ends 8  October 2010

21 September 2010
NBNCo announces Telstra to join trial in Tas as an RSP

24 September 2010
Nextgen releases a list of towns to be served under the Regional Backbone Blackspots programme along with target availability dates.

20 October 2010
Federal Government re-enters Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Competition and Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2010 with amendments. 2nd reading

21 October 2010
ACCC releases Discussion Paper on NBNCo’s ‘Points Of Interconnect’. Submissions close 8 November 2010

22 October 2010
Government releases Discussion Paper on ‘Universal Service Policy’. Close 5 November 2010.

28 October 2010
NBNCo awards contract to Nokia Siemens Networks for the supply of optical transmission networking systems.
NBNCo releases discussion paper on Connecting to the National Broadband Network. Close 25 November 2010

29 October 2010
NBNCo releases discussion paper on NBN Co’s Wholesale Broadband Agreement. Close 26 November 2010

8 November 2010
NBNCo forwards Business Plan to shareholders (Federal Government)

9 November 2010
Tasmanian Premier announces no joint venture between State owned Aurora Energy and NBNCo. Aurora’s cable to be leased by NBNCo.

12 November 2010
NBNCo announces contract with Global Switch data centre.

15 November 2010
Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Competition and Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2010 passed in the House of Representatives

16 November 2010
NBNCo announces contract with VCE alliance – VMware, Cisco and EMC for the supply of data centre compute platform.

18 November 2010
Tasmanian Government passes ‘opt out’ legislation for NBN connections.

?? November 2010
Federal Finance Dept contracts ‘Greenhill Caliburn’ to advise on NBNCo Business Plan
Government contracts ‘Lazard Australia’ to advise on NBNCo/Telstra Agreement

22 November 2010
Government announces parliamentary committee (Lower House) will examine the economic and social benefits of the NBN. Report due August 2011

24 November 2010
Government agrees to release summary of NBNCo Business Plan to be issued by NBNCo. Also announces formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee, chaired by a Lower House Independent to oversee the roll-out for the duration of the project. Committee to report six monthly and receive advice from the Productivity Commission on an ongoing basis.
Government presents the ‘National Broadband Network Companies Bill 2010’, and the ‘Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (National Broadband Network Measures—Access Arrangements) Bill 2010’ to the House of Reps.

26 November 2010
Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Competition and Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2010 (with amendments) passed in the Senate.

29 November 2010
Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Competition and Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2010 amendments passed in the House of Reps

2 December 2010
NBNCo releases proposed ‘Access Seeker – Interoperability Certification Test Program’ and ‘Access Seeker Accreditation’ papers

7 December 2010
Government announces inquiry into the role and potential of the National Broadband Network by the House Standing Committee on Infrastructure and Communications. Submissions close 25 February 2011.

9 December 2010
Government releases details arrangements for the provision of fibre infrastructure in new developments

19 December 2010
Government appoints PR firm Weber Shandwick to promote NBN

20 December 2010
Government and NBNCo release Business Plan
Government releases ‘Statement of Intentions’ advice to NBNCo
ACCC releases ‘Advice to Government National Broadband Network Points of Interconnect’

23 December 2010
CommsAlliance releases ‘NBN B2B Interaction Process Requirements’

2011

7 January 2011
NBNCo announces it will connect all new residential developments over 100 dwellings from January 2011

17 January 2011
NBNCo announces contracts awarded to Corning (up to $1.5b), Warren and Brown Technologies ($110m), and Prysmian ($300m) for the supply of passive infrastructure.

28 January 2011
NBNCo releases draft B2B industry integration specifications. Submissions close 25 Feb 2011

10 February 2011
Senate refers National Broadband Network Companies Bill 2010 and National Broadband Network Measures-Access Arrangements Bill 2010 to Standing Committee on Environment and Communications for inquiry and report. Submissions close – 24 February 2011

11 February 2011
NBNCo announces selection of second data centre site in Springfield, Queensland

14 February 2011
Government releases executive summary of Greenhill Caliburn report on NBNCo Corporate Plan.

17 February 2011
NBNCo purchases Austar’s 2.3 GHz and 3.4 GHz spectrum licences for $120 million.

23 February 2011
NBNCo confirms it is using Telstra front end systems to process ‘greenfield estate’ fibre applications.

28 February 2011
Regional Black Spots Program commences Mildura – Adelaide link.

2 March 2011
ACCC confirms final list of Points of Interconnect.
National Broadband Network Companies Bill 2010 and National Broadband Network Measures-Access Arrangements Bill 2010 passed by House of Reps.

11 March 2011
National Broadband Network’s Regional Backbone Blackspot Program reaches halfway point with completion of Geraldton-Perth link.

 17 March 2011
Senate Committee on National Broadband Network Companies Bill 2010 and National Broadband Network Measures-Access Arrangements Bill 2010 recommends bills be passed unamended.

18 March 2011
Telstra defers shareholder vote on NBN deal due to time constraints.
NBN anticipates delayed start on 2^nd release sites.

24 March 2011
NBNCo contracts TE Connectivity for the supply network connectivity products including patch cords, feeder cables, drop cables, splice closures, multi-port terminals

25 March 2011
National Broadband Network Companies Bill 2010 and National Broadband Network Measures-Access Arrangements Bill 2010 passed by Senate. Returned to House of Reps with amendments.

28 March 2011
National Broadband Network Companies Bill 2010 and National Broadband Network Measures-Access Arrangements Bill 2010 passed by House of Reps.

29 March 2011
NBNCo appoints IBM as the prime systems integrator of its operational and business support systems.

1 April 2011
NBNCo suspends multilateral contract negotiations with shortlisted companies and opens negotiations for a unified national cable rollout.

28 April 2011
NBNCo announces next stage of Tasmanian roll out to 11,150 premises to be built by Conneq Infrastructure Services. Areas are:

• Triabunna and
• Sorell from May,
• Deloraine and
• St Helens from July,
• Kingston Beach from August,
• George Town from September, and
• South Hobart from October.

4 May 2011
ACCC issues revised list of Points of Interconnect.

6 May 2011
NBNCo awards contracts to Optus and IPSTAR for the interim provision of managed satellite services to 3% of Australian premises.

 13 May 2011
NBNCo confirms Fujitsu Australia and construction partner Service Stream to provide a managed service including network design, construction and installation works in new developments.

18 May 2011
First mainland retail customers on the NBN ‘officially’ connected in Armidale, NSW.

19 May 2011
NBNCo commences second round of public consultation on wholesale arrangements

1 June 2011
NBN Co signs Ericsson for $1.1 billion 4G LTE fixed wireless network contract over ten years.
NBNCo confirms contract awarded to Silcar to the value of $380m for the rollout to premises in Queensland, NSW and the ACT with the option of a further two-year extension at an additional value of $740m.

15 June 2011
Government alters details for the provision of fibre in new developments.

21 June 2011
NBNCo contracts Fujitsu to provide internal desktop support services in $25m deal

23 June 2011
NBNCo and Telstra announce definitive agreement on access to infrastructure, transfer of customers, Universal Service Obligation, financial payments, and other issues relating to the NBN. Agreement to be put to Telstra shareholders at AGM on 18th October 2011 when it would then become binding.
NBNCo and Optus announce definitive agreement for the transfer of Optus’ HFC broadband customers to the NBN.

24 June 2011
Government announces the making of five key regulatory instruments dealing with the structural separation of Telstra.

1 July 2011
Government announces commercial launch of the Interim Satellite Service as part of the National Broadband Network (NBN)

4 July 2011
Joint Standing Committee on the NBN tables ‘An Advisory Report on the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Fibre Deployment) Bill 2011’.

6 July 2011
NBNCo requests expressions of interest from registered training providers to train field staff. Close 29 July 2011

12 July 2011
ACCC invites comment on non-discrimination guidance for NBN and superfast telecommunication networks. Close – 8th August 2011

13 July 2011
NBNCo acquires additional spectrum at auction to complete requirements for wireless network delivery.

28 July 2011
NBNCo releases the third edition of its Wholesale Broadband Agreement (WBA)
Also releases a discussion paper providing an overview of NBN Co’s planned Special Access Undertaking (SAU). Submissions close 19 August 2011

29 July 2011
Kiama Downs and Minnamurra area south of Wollongong becomes second mainland trial site to be ‘switched on’.
Dominant incumbent Telstra submits plans for structural separation to ACCC

3 August 2011
Government announces 6 more mainland site for the NBN rollout incorporating:

• Springfield Lakes and Aspley – Brisbane region,
• Toowoomba – Queensland,
• Riverstone – Western Sydney,
• Coffs Harbour – northeast NSW, and
• Gungahlin – ACT

Also announces areas surrounding Geraldton, Toowoomba, Ballarat, Darwin and Tamworth to be the first five regional sites to be connected by NBN Co’s fixed wireless technology

4 August 2011
Brunswick, Vic test site officially ‘switched on’.

10 August 2011
Government releases discussion paper and request for comment on legislative amendments to facilitate rollout of next-generation broadband infrastructure. Submissions close 7 September 2011

30 August 2011
ACCC releases discussion paper on Telstra’s Structural Separation Undertaking and draft Migration Plan, indicating some aspects unacceptable. Submissions close on 27 September 2011.

 31 August 2011
Government ‘Inquiry into the role and potential of the National Broadband Network’ releases first report.

1 September 2011
First Queensland trials of the NBN commence in Townsville.
Parliamentary Joint Committee on NBN releases first report.

6 September 2011
NBNCo announces signing of contracts with

• Transfield Services to the value of $133M (subject to extension to $395M) for construction work in Victoria to commence in Nov 2011.
• Syntheo (a joint venture by Lend Lease/Service Stream) to the value of $174M (subject to extension to $484M) for construction work in Western Australia to commence in Oct 2011.

7 September 2011
First connections of NBN in a new housing estate made live in Sydney NSW.

13 September 2011
Senate passes Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Fibre Deployment) Bill 2011

16 September 2011
Fifth and final NBN first release site, Willunga (SA) goes live.

 22 September 2011
NBNCo reaches agreement with agreement with Telstra regarding initial rollout plan

30 September 2011
NBNCo releases 4^th edition of it’s Wholesale Broadband Agreement for consideration.
Trials in first release sites end. Customer able to order retail services.

1 October 2011
NBNCo enables sign-ups by customers on a commercial basis.

10 October 2011
Contract for the provision of 10 POIs awarded to Emerson Network Power. Contract value approx $100m.

18 October 2011
Telstra shareholders approve plan to progressively decommission its copper-based network and allow NBN Co to access its pits, manholes and exchanges, and sell some infrastructure, receiving in return $11bn from the federal government.
NBNCo releases 12 month roll out schedule which includes extensions to existing sites and adds new sites nationally.

14 November 2011
NBNCo announces a 2 yr contract with Syntheo for construction work in SA and NT to the value of $141M (with a possible 2 yr extension)
Contracts to provide an array of equipment for installation in homes and businesses, worth up to $635 million over the next five years executed.

24 November 2011
Joint parliamentary committee on NBN releases 2^nd report.

25 November 2011
NBNCo opens Melbourne Operations Centre, Discovery Centre, and NBNCo demonstration truck.

30 November 2011
NBNCo releases Wholesale Broadband Agreement (WBA) Version 5

5 December 2011
NBNCo lodges Special Access Undertaking with the ACCC

9 December 2011
Telstra submits revised structural separation undertaking with ACCC.

 13 December 2011
ACCC releases draft guidelines on the non-discrimination provisions contained in Part XIC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. Submissions close 3 February 2012.

20 December 2011
The Regional Backbone Blackspots Program officially completed with the switch on of the link between Darwin, NT and Toowoomba Qld.
ACCC releases a consultation paper inviting comment on the Special Access Undertaking (SAU) lodged by NBN Co on 5 December 2011. Submissions close 30 March 2012.
NBNCo submits documentation to ACCC ‘Network Design Rules’ and ‘WACC component’ in support of SAU.

2012

17 January 2012
NBNCo submits report by Synergies on price and non-price terms and conditions under which access seekers will gain access to NBN Co wholesale services to the ACCC in support of it’s SAU.

8 February 2012
Government and NBNCo announce US firm Space Systems/Loral has won a $620 million contract for two satellites to provide high-speed broadband to areas in remote Australia. Anticipated completion dates are early and late 2015.

13 February 2012
NBN Co announces $1.5 million, three-year contract for call centre software to Australian company Veridian
ACCC issues NBN Co Limited Special Access Undertaking Supplementary Consultation Paper

15 February 2012
NBNCo releases quarterly update to 12 month rollout schedule.

23 February 2012
Telstra submits final version of its structural separation undertaking (SSU) to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

27 February 2012
Dominant incumbent Telstra releases first commercial plans for services on the NBN.

 28 February 2012
ACCC approves Telstra’s structural separation agreement.

7 March 2012
Definitive Agreements signed between Telstra, the Government and NBNCo for compensation to Telstra for use of it’s ‘pit and pipe’ infrastructure and transfer of customers to NBN.

22 March 2012
Emerson Network Power delivers first of 10 POI’s to NBNCo. First location being Port Melbourne, Vic.

26 March 2012
Visionstream Australia awarded contract of $300m+ for remainder of NBN rollout in Tas

29 March 2012
NBNCo releases 3 yr network roll out plan covering 3.5 million premises nationally.

4 April 2012
NBNCo appoints new CFO Robin Payne

9 April 2012
Government releases 2^nd NBNCo Progress report for period ending 31 Dec 2011

19 April 2012
NBNCo announces Merimbula as the site of its first of 10 satellite earth stations. Anticipated completion date of 2015

10 May 2012
NBNCo announces location of first of 10 satellite ground station gateways to be built in Bourke, NSW.

16 May 2012
NBN Co publishes its Wireless Trial Agreement for retail service providers participating in the test and trial of the NBN Co Wireless Access Service.

29 May 2012
ACCC grants interim approval of deal between NBNCo and Optus for transfer of HFC customers to NBN

31 May 2012
NBNCo forwards revised Corporate Plan to Government.

20 June 2012
NBNCo halts it’s application with the ACCC for competition rules, with the intention of re-submitting a revised application.
NBNCo reduces contractual agreements with Fujitsu for the NBN roll out in greenfield estates. Additional work allocated to VisionStream and Service Stream.

25 June 2012
Government Joint Committee tables 3^rd report on NBN.

29 June 2012
NBNCo confirms plans to build third satellite station near Geeveston, Tasmania.

12 July 2012
NBNCo announces contract with ViaSat for the supply of equipment for the 10 satellite stations and domestic dishes.
NBNCo releases formal process for network extension on a user pays basis.

19 July 2012
ACCC approves deal between NBN Co and SingTel Optus to migrate customers from the telco’s cable network to the NBN

3 August 2012
ACCC requests comment on location of NBN POI’s. Submissions close 31^st August 2012
NBNCo announces first sites to receive high-speed fixed wireless service. Areas are the less densely populated rural and regional communities that surround:

• Geraldton (WA),
• Toowoomba (Qld),
• Tamworth (NSW),
• Ballarat (Vic) and
• Darwin (NT).

8 August 2012
Government/NBNCo releases 2012 Corporate Plan.

 24 August 2012
NBNCo announces enhancement to business services allowing for the ability to manage up to 50 voice services over the network.
Ceduna (WA) selected as a location for a satellite ground station.

6 September 2012
NBNCo announces awarding of contracts to Silcar and Service Stream for network maintenance and installation for a 2 year duration with the option of two further one-year extensions. Estimated value is up to $78m

19 September 2012
Official opening of NBNCo Contact Centre, Gold Coast.

26 September 2012
NBNCo adopts ‘opt out’ model for NBN connections in mainland Australia.

28 September 2012
NBNCo submits revised Special Access Undertaking (SAU) to the ACCC.

16 October 2012
Roma – Darling Downs selected as a site for a Satellite ground station.

 19 October 2012
NBNCo Annual Report 2011-2012 released.

25 October 2012
NBNCo signs contracts to a total of $180m for the building of 10x Satellite Ground Stations to service remote areas.

5 November 2012
ACCC publishes Listed Points of Interconnection for NBN

12 November 2012
ACCC releases first discussion paper on NBNCo SAU

 6 December 2012
NBNCo announces Moonyoonooka, WA as site for a Satellite ground station.

18 December 2012
NBNCo submits revised revised SAU to the ACCC.

20 December 2012
NBNCo awards contracts totalling $87m to Universal Communications Group ($66m) and Downer EDI ($11m) to connect fibre to multi-dwelling premises.

2013

16 January 2013
Work commences on satellite ground station at Bourke.
NBN training centre opened in Adelaide.

14 February 2013
NBN Co awards Downer EDI Engineering a $94 million, two-year contract to provide additional construction capacity for the NBN rollout in northern NSW.

20 February 2013
ACCC issues Discussion Paper on Points of Interconnect on issues of ‘POI usage’, ‘extent of competition at the listed POIs’ among other issues.

23 February 2013
Government Joint Committee on the NBN tables 4^th review.

4 March 2013
NBN Co signs $300m contract with Arianespace for the launch of two satellites in 2015.

 12 March 2013
NBN Co announces contract with Daly International Pty Ltd for the connection of MDU’s in WA, Brisbane and the Gold Coast worth up to $27.7 million

15 March 2013
NBN Co announces two year $334m contract with Leighton holdings for rollout of NBN in Vic, Qld, and Sth NSW. Option to extend contract for another yrs.

21 March 2013
Syntheo varies contract with NBNCo – opting out of involvement in build in Northern Territory. NBNCo declares intention to undertake responsibility for design and construction.
NBNCo announces 3 month delay and downgrades forecast of premises passed by fibre from 341,000 to between 190,000 and 220,000 by end of June 2013.

26 March 2013
NBN Co awards $170m two year contract to Transfield Services to roll out fibre optic broadband in Sydney metropolitan and suburban areas. Includes two one-year options to renew.

4 April 2013
ACCC rejects NBNCo Special Access Undertaking and issues consultation paper

20 April 2013
NBNCo announces launch of a 1 Gigabit wholesale broadband service by December 2013

5 May 2013
NBNCo updates roll out maps to 2016

 29 May 2013
Telstra to undertake an audit of telecommunications pits following revelations of the presence of asbestos and inappropriate handling practices during installation of NBN infrastructure.

30 May 2013
Telstra announces ‘new field workforce of up to 200 specialists to directly inspect and supervise all asbestos-related remediation work and mandatory Telstra-designed training for all contractors and subcontractors.’

17 June 2013
Joint Parliamentary Committee monitoring the National Broadband Network releases fifth report.

19 June 2013
Transfield’s existing contracts extended for two years to the value of $300m and wins an additional contract for external works to the value of $66m.

4 July 2013
ACCC releases a draft variation notice setting out proposed changes to the Special Access Undertaking (SAU) offered by NBN Co for consultation. Close 26 July 2013
Also extends statutory timeframe for making a final decision on the SAU.

14 July 2013
SA Power Networks awarded three-year contract covering approximately 300,000 premises in Adelaide and regional South Australia. Options to extend by two further periods of one year each.

5 August 2013
NBNCo announces Syntheo will not be extending contract for NBN roll out in SA and WA

6 August 2013
Downer EDI Limited (Downer) awarded a two-year contract to roll out fibre optic broadband in an area covering approximately 300,000 premises in Brisbane and Melbourne.

7 August 2013
NBN Co renews construction contract with Silcar Pty Ltd for the rollout of fibre optic broadband in NSW, Queensland and the ACT for another 12 months worth up to $300m

14 August 2013
NBN Co launches new speeds for its fixed wireless service, which enables 25 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload speeds.

21 August 2013
ACCC defers decision on NBNCo’s SAU until after the Federal Election.

2 September 2013
Deputy Chair of NBNCo Ms Gander-Smith resigns

7 September 2013
The Liberal/National Party Coalition wins the Federal Election making NBNCo and the NBN subject to revised policy directives and outcomes.

Following the federal election of 2013, the new Liberal National Party Coalition Government moved to impose its policy directives on NBNCo. The new Minister for Broadband and Communications, Mr Malcolm Turnbull, requested the resignations of the members of the board and installed an interim board and CEO in its place. It also initiated a ‘Strategic Review’ of NBNCo’s operations with the result released in December of 2013 recommending radical changes to NBNCo’s operations and roll out.

Following the Government’s expressed intention of changing the structure and roll out of the NBN, in April 2014 a new Statement of Expectations was issued which would see the NBN comprise:
– 26 per cent fibre to the home,
– 44 per cent of fibre to the node (street-side boxes up to 1km from the user, relying on the old copper wire for the last link) and,
– 30 per cent using existing hybrid fibre cable used for Foxtel.

This revised construct was given the name MTM (Multi Technology Mix)

2013

7 September 2013
Liberal/National Coalition Parties win Government at the Federal election.

13 September 2013
Federal Government website  informs that ‘Content of the Department website in relation to the National Broadband Network (NBN) is currently under review. The review will occur in the context of the new Government’s policy.’

 ?? September 2013
New Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull asks Board of NBNCo to resign

23 September 2013
News reports a majority of NBNCo Board Members offer to resign their positions.

24 September 2013
Government announces intention to conduct a review of NBNCo operations. Duration of review to be 60 days.
NBNCo directed to continue with roll out of existing contracts.

3 October 2013
Malcolm Turnbull accepts resignations of NBNCo board members and appoints Ziggy Switkowski as Chairman and temporary CEO. He joins remaining board members Kerry Schott and Alison Lansley.
Mr Mike Quigley CEO, leaves NBNCo.

 ?? October 2013
NBNCo issue a request for proposal for consultancy services to support a Strategic Review of the rollout of the National Broadband Network.
The primary objective is given as …. “to evaluate both the:

• Current NBN operational and financial performance; and the
• Timing, financials and product offers under alternative models of delivering very fast broadband to homes and businesses across Australia”

21 October 2013
Ex Telstra executive Justin Milne engaged to advise Chair of Board/CEO Mr Switowski on Strategic Review.

23 October 2013
Ex Telstra executive JB Rousselot joins NBNCo to lead Strategic Review

25 October 2013
NBNCo advises of selection of three advisory firms to conduct Strategic Review.

• Deloitte – provide governance and program management office services
• KordaMentha – contribute to the analysis of the current NBN operational and financial performance;
• Boston Consulting Group – participate in the review of timing, financials and product offers under alternative models of delivering very fast broadband

1 November 2013
Government tenders to engage a commercial and strategic advisor to provide it with commercial advice in relation to implementing revised arrangements between Telstra, NBN Co and the Commonwealth until 30 June 2014. Close 11 Nov 2013

7 November 2013
Chief Operating Officer of NBNCo, Ralph Steffens resigns, to be replaced by Greg Adcock, previously a Telstra executive engaged in the negotiation of the NBNCo/Telstra agreement and it’s subsequent delivery.

12 November 2013
Government announces appointment of Justine Milne, Patrick Flannagan, and Simon Hackett to board of NBNCo.

14 November 2013
Government establishes Senate Select Committee to report on the NBN

19 November 2013
NBNCo submits revised Special Access Undertaking to ACCC. Submissions for comment close 29 Nov 2013. 

2 December 2013
NBNCo provides draft copy of review to Government.

3 December 2013
Senate orders Dept of Communications to release review by midday 9 December 2013

12 December 2013
Government releases Strategic Review on NBNCo.
Mr Bill Morrow announced as new CEO.
Government announces a panel to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of broadband and review of the regulatory arrangements for the National Broadband Network. Report required to be delivered in 6 months.
Panel to comprise -:

• Dr Michael Vertigan AC as Chair
• Ms Alison Deans,
• Professor Henry Ergas
• Mr Tony Shaw PSM

13 December 2013
ACCC approves Special Access Undertaking as submitted by NBNCo prior to the change of Government.

2014

2 February 2014
NBN Co announces that Optus has secured the contract to operate NBN Co’s two satellites.

13 February 2014
Government releases a ‘Panel of Experts’ NBN Regulatory Framing Paper and calls for public submissions on same. Close 14 March 2014 

20 February 2014
Government releases full results of analysis of Broadband Availability and Quality Project 

21 February 2014
NBNCo announces two FTTN trial sites, each consisting of approx 100 connections. Site are Umina, NSW and Epping, Vic.

7 March 2014
Federal Government announces fifth inquiry into NBN, focusing on the processes that led to the creation of NBN Co, the builder of the network, and the steps leading to an implementation study. Inquiry to be headed by Mr Bill Scales and to report by 5th July 2014.

12 March 2014
NBNCo announces sign up of 4 telcos to FTTB pilot program in Melbourne.

21 March 2014
NBNCo establishes register in support of medical alarm devices.

24 March 2014
Government/NBNCo ‘Panel of Experts’ releases discussion paper on industry access arrangements. Submissions close 14 April 2014.

26 March 2014
Senate Select Committee on the NBN releases interim report.

8 April 2014
Government releases new ‘Statement of Expectations’ for NBNCo. 

15 April 2014
NBNCo brings forward roll out of infrastructure to MDUs and office buildings in response to market competitors.

17 April 2014
NBNCo signs contracts worth up to $17.9 million with ISG Management Pty Ltd (ISGM) to connect flats and units to the Network in the NT and Qld.

7 May 2014
NBNCo release ‘Fixed Wireless and Satellite Review’

14 May 2014
Senate extends the date for the presentation of the final report to the last siked day of the 44th Parliament.

19 May 2014
NBNCo announces renewal of contract with Service Stream for design and deployment of NBNCo’s fibre network to greenfield developments to 2015. Includes an option for two one-year extensions.

23 May 2014
NBN replaces most existing home and business landline phones, ADSL internet and Telstra cable internet services in the first 15 Fibre Serving Area Modules (FSAMs).

4 June 2014
NBN Co announced the appointment of Stephen Rule as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) replacing former CFO Robin Payne.

5 June 2014
NBN Co updates their rollout maps to indicate areas that are under “Build Preparation”. This process primarily consists of remediation and replacement of existing Telstra pits and ducts.

 

12 June 2014
Service Stream wins second contract renewal for work on the national broadband network in a month, today announcing a two-year extension to its existing field services delivery contract across five states and territories.

16 July 2014
Government tables Stat Review of Part XIC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2014

25 July 2014
Government receives Scales report on Public Policy Processes.

30 July 2014
NBNCo announces Ericsson Australia wins 4 yr contract to provide fixed wireless and satellite services in regional and rural Australia.

4 August 2014
Government tables Independent Audit – NBN Public Policy Processes, April 2008 – May 2010

8 August 2014
Government releases ‘NBN Co Limited Corporate Governance Review’ conducted by KordaMentha.

21 August 2014
NBN Co and Telstra delay copper disconnections in 58 areas.

26 August 2014
Government releases CBA analysis of revised NBN policy.

2 September 2014
Government releases consultation paper on reform of migration services to NBN. Close 26 Sept 2014

17 September 2014
NBNCo announces completion of 9^th satellite receiving station at Waroona, WA.

1 October 2014
Government releases Vertigan ‘NBN Market and Regulation Report’

15 October 2014
Government releases a draft carrier licence condition paper for discussion. Submissions close 14 November 2014.

13 November 2014
NBNCo releases revised broadband mix under the MTM model.

17 November 2014
NBNCo releases Corporate Plan for 2014 until 2017, referring to it as a ‘transitional plan’.

1 December 2014
NBN Co releases new national construction plan

11 December 2014
Government releases policy paper outlining a road map for telecommunications regulatory and structural reform

14 December 2014
Government announces completion of deals with Optus and Telstra to roll out MTM. Also releases details of changes to Carrier Licence Conditions.

19 December 2014
Telstra signs $390 million NBN planning and design deal

2015

27 January 2015
Government announces finalization of new instruments to allow Telstra to lodge a revised migration plan with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)

9 February 2015
NBN Co completes construction of all 10 satellite ground stations.

23 February 2015
NBNCo selects US-based Arris to upgrade and integrate the hybrid fibre coax (HFC) networks into the NBN at a cost of $400m.

1 March 2015
NBNCo initiates planning and construction of a 1000 Fibre To The Node ‘trial’.

18 March 2015
Senate Select Committee on NBN releases 2^nd Interim Report.

 

31 March 2015
NBNCo launches Fibre to the Building(FTTB)technology

10 April 2015
NBNCo and Telstra reach secret out of court settlement in regards to dispute over the timing of payments relating to the national broadband network’s construction.

20 April 2015
NBN Co announces it will start offering active services to premises within its 1000-node construction trial of fibre-to-the-node technology from September.

4 May 2015
NBN Co notifies Access Seekers that it proposes to introduce ancillary charges for the NBN Co Ethernet Bitstream Service (NEBS) over Long Term Satellite (LTS).

10 June 2015
Contracts signed with five companies to connect 4 million homes and businesses to NBN. Downer, Transfield, Visionstream, Fulton Hogan and WBHO

17 June 2015
Senate orders NBNCo to release the 2014-2017 nbn corporate plan, the latest corporate plan, and an unredacted copy of the Strategic Review.

26 June 2015
ACCC approves definitive Agreement between NBNCo and Telstra for the purchase of copper and HFC assets

30 June 2015
NBN Co releases updated Network Design Rules

15 July 2015
Government calls for submissions on ‘Proposed regulatory changes to enable industry to manage interference between next-generation broadband networks’. Close 30 July 2015

23 July 2015
ACCC grants preliminary approval to NBN’s $800 million deal to buy and upgrade Optus’s cable network.

24 August 2015
NBNCo release Corporate Plan 2016.

21 September 2015
NBNCo releases first commercial FTTN network

28 September 2015
NBN awards second set of FTTx build contracts

• SA Power Networks – Northern Territory and South Australia,
• QC Comms – ACT and parts of NSW,
• Lend Lease – NSW.
• Service Stream and Decon – Victoria.

1 October 2015
NBNCo satellite named ‘SkyMuster’ successfully launched from French Guiana

16 October 2015
NBNCo releases 3 year Construction Plan detailing specific areas and technology types.

30 October 2015
Government issues ‘Telecommunications Amendment (Next-Generation Broadband Interference Management) Regulation 2015’

 

25 November 2015
Leaked internal documents from NBNCo state the Optus HFC network is not ‘fit for purpose’.

3 December 2015
Leaked internal documents from NBNCo reveals remediation costs to Telstra’s copper network have blown out by 900%

16 December 2015
NBN Co announces an increase in size of the data plans available on it’s satellite service to 150GB.

 21 December 2015
NBNCo announces:

• a Memorandum of Understanding with Telstra on HFC Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM)
• an ‘Operate and Maintain Master Agreement’ with Service Stream Limited, Telstra and BSA Limited for the provision and maintenance of FTTP, FTTN, and HFC services.

2016

16 March 2016
ACCC gives draft approval for NBN revenue, pricing, cost recovery

17 March 2016
Following the leaking of internal documents regarding a trial of Fttpd in rural Victoria, NBNCo announces it will conduct further trials in Sydney and Melbourne.

5 April 2016
NBN Co announces revised CVC pricing schedule to be implemented in June 2016, planned to run for two years

11 April 2016
NBN Co awards contract to Telstra to the value of $1.6B for planning, design, construction, and construction management services to update its existing HFC footprint.

22 April 2016
Michael Malone, the founder of internet service provider (ISP) iiNet, replaces Simon Hackett on board of NBNCo

24 April 2016
First NBN FTTN services switched-on in South Australia – the suburb of St Marys

29 April 2016
NBN Co officially launches its wholesale broadband satellite service Sky Muster™

ACCC releases NBN Wholesale Market Indicators Report

3 May 2016
Budget papers reveal NBN Co is set to run out of funding by the end of the 2016-17 financial year

4 May 2016
Senate Select Committee on the National Broadband Network releases final report.

9 May 2016
NBN Co calls a halt to controversial plans to deploy satellite access to a number of towns on the west coast of Tasmania in lead up to election.

3 June 2016
ACCC issues final determination on NBN Co’s revenue controls and gives approval

13 June 2016
Opposition ALP release Broadband policy in lead up to Federal election promising greater emphasis on FTTP.

30 June 2016
NBN Co opens its first hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) area to commercial services, inviting retail service providers (RSPs) to target some 18,800 premises in the Queensland suburb of Redcliffe via the Optus infrastructure.

14 July 2016

Telstra announces an ‘internal recruitment programme’ to assist with the upgrade of its portion of the NBN HFC network., training in part paid for under the $100 million NBN training deed between Telstra and the Commonwealth.

NBN Co signs a billion-dollar, four-year contract with a consortium of six partners for construction work in the Telstra hybrid-fibre coaxial (HFC) footprint. The six partners are Lend Lease, Broadspectrum, Fulton Hogan, Downer, ISGM and BSA.

30 July 2016
NBN Co opens its first commercial services on Telstra’s hybrid-fibre coaxial (HFC) network, offering retail service providers access to around 2300 premises in the Ocean Reef suburb of Western Australia.

16 August 2016
NBN Co releases Full Year Results – 2016

26 August 2016

NBN Co releases Corporate Plan 2017

Federal Government releases new Statement of Expectations

NBN Co announces that up to 1.5 million premises will be removed from the cable rollout plan and transferred to the FTTN rollout in a cost saving measure.

29 August 2016

Allegations are aired of improper control of asbestos by NBNCo subcontractors during the remediation of Telstra infrastructure.

National Broadband Network (NBN) expands access to the Sky Muster Satellite Education Service, allowing students access to an extra 50Gb a month on top of their current plan.

31 August 2016
NBN Co and Nokia announce what they claim is the first Australian trial of XG-FAST ultra-broadband access technology to meet future demand for increased speeds.

2 September 2016
ACCC releases a report on its assessment of the NBN Co-Telstra service delivery agreements, which raises “…. concerns the agreements may give Telstra a “head start” in connecting customers to NBN HFC broadband services, preferential service activation and/or repair of NBN broadband services for its own customers, and greater insight than its competitors into the NBN rollout.”

13 September 2016
Government moves to establish a Joint Standing Committee on the NBN. The terms of reference include:

• utilisation of the NBN,
• Australia’s comparative global position with regard to residential broadband infrastructure,
• take-up of NBN services, and
• “any market, industry, or regulatory characteristics that may impede the efficient and cost‑effective rollout of the national broadband network”.
  http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/606638/coalition-labor-back-new-nbn-committee/

15 September 2016
Senator Steven Conroy, under whose Ministership the NBN commenced, tables his resignation from the Federal Government position in the Senate.

19 September 2016
NBN Co releases 2015-2016 Annual Report

20 September 2016
NBN Co CEO Bill Morrow reported to have tripled his bonus payments, taking his total remuneration to $3.6m.

28 September 2016
NBN Co announces that it will be replacing the Optus hybrid fibre-coaxial (HFC) footprint with a fibre-to-the-distribution-point (FttDP) network, with up to 700,000 premises to be covered.

30 September 2016
Australian government announces the reappointment of the chair of the National Broadband Network (NBN) company, Ziggy Switkowski, for three years, effective as of October 3.

7 October 2016
2nd NBN Co satellite successfully launched.

13 October 2016
NBN Co announces signing of final multi-technology mix (MTM) construction agreements of the build with Fulton Hogan and Visionstream, to run over 4 years.

19 October 2016
ACCC calls for feedback from interested parties in respect to NBN Co’s proposed ISS withdrawal of its Interim Satellite Service (ISS) on 28 February 2017 (or a later date as advised) Close 9 November 2016.

18 November 2016
Federal Government announces it will lend NBN Co $19.5 billion on commercial terms to complete the rollout of the national broadband network.

22 November 2016
NBN Co signs an agreement with local technology vendor, NetComm Wireless, for the supply of Distribution Point Units (DPUs) in the company’s Fibre to-the-Curb (FTTC) network.

8 December 2016
NBN Co expresses concern that up to one million users in its planned fibre-to-the-distribution point (FTTdp) rollout could fall afoul of Australia’s electricity laws due to the way the network equipment is powered

12 December 2016
Government announces request for ‘Consultation on the Telecommunications Reform Package’ including the introduction of a tax to subsidise rural and remote NBN Co networks.

21 December 2016
NBN Co signs three Design and Construction Master Agreements (DCMA) for the build of approximately 525,000 premises in Sydney and Melbourne served with Fibre to the Curb (FTTC), Fibre-to the Premises, Node or Basement (FTTP/N/B).

2017

20 February 2017
NBN Co reveals that there will be a reverse power draw of approx 6W per unit for FTTdp

22 February 2017
ACCC announces it will issue new guidelines designed to reduce confusion regarding the advertised speeds of broadband plans

27 February 2017
NBN Co reinstates address tracker, this time including a specific time frame for when the service would actually be available.

23 March 2017
Government announces the reappointment of NBN CEO Bill Morrow to the company’s Board as executive director for a further three-year term, commencing 2 April 2017. Mr Morrow’s appointment as CEO remains ongoing.

28 March 2017

ACCC issues a draft decision to reject NBN Co’s proposed variation to its Special Access Undertaking (SAU) to incorporate new technologies such as fibre-to-the-node (FTTN), fibre-to-the-building (FTTB) and hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC).

Senate Privileges Committee orders return by Australian Federal Police of documents seized from then Senator Steven Conroy’s office in lead up to 2016 Federal election on the basis that Parliamentary Privilege applied.

30 March 2017
NBN Co announces intention to make available 100/40 speeds over fixed wireless connections.

7 April 2017
Federal Government rubber stamps a program by ACCC to monitor speeds obtained by consumers on the NBN

11 April 2017
NBN Co announces it will bring fibre-to-the-curb technology to an extra 300,000 premises, expanding its FTTC footprint to 1 million homes and businesses.

26 April 2017
NBN Co achieves gigabit speeds over fixed wireless in a proof of concept trial with manufacturing partners, held in Ballarat.

12 May 2017
Dominant ISP Telstra admits to overcharging some NBN customers over unattainable speeds and will offer reimbursement

1 August 2017
NBN Co will soon begin a six-month trial of multicast services on Sky Muster to aid education departments and schools in delivering distance education -technical trials set to begin on August 21 and conclude around the end of this year.

20 August 2017
NBN Co announces that it is aiming to launch DOCSIS 3.1 technology across its hybrid fibre-coaxial (HFC) network at the end of 2018 after completing trials scheduled to take place in February.

21 August 2017

Aust’s second largest telco, Optus, announces it will offer refunds to thousands of customers who effectively paid for speeds that couldn’t be delivered over their type of NBN connection.

Following increasing dissatisfaction and complaints from consumers regarding the switching of phone and internet services to the NBN, the Government convenes an industry roundtable to secure joint action to better support customers during the peak rollout period.

ACCC issues guidelines for advertising of NBN speeds which ISPs should “immediately” adopt.