News Service from House Harris

FED: Govt says broadband will be cheap under new network

CANBERRA, Dec 2 AAP - The Rudd government says it remains committed to delivering cheap high-speed broadband, despite opposition fears the national broadband network will cost consumers more.

Coalition Senator Mary Jo Fisher asked Communications Minister Stephen Conroy to guarantee that under the new network, broadband users won't be forced to pay more for services.

"As I've stated many times in the chamber, I will not be passing daily commentary, on a live process as it's taking place," Senator Conroy said.

The government has received six bids to build the network, including two state-based bids.

A government-appointed expert panel has been given six weeks from last Wednesday's bid deadline to consider the proposals.

The panel will then have a further two weeks to consider advice on the proposals from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) before the government announces its preferred bidder.

"It would be grossly irresponsible to the commonwealth's negotiating position to respond to questions like that," Senator Conroy said.

Senator Conroy said the fact that the question was asked while the tender process was still occurring amounted to an "indictment on those opposite".

"But let me be clear, the objectives of the Rudd government are to deliver faster and cheaper broadband to all Australians," he said.