Finder to The Node: Greens offer NBN funding boost while Sky Muster plans go Plus
The Greens want an NBN Migration fund to combat the digital divide, while NBN Co boosts Sky Muster plans in our weekly round-up of NBN news.
Greens give green light to NBN funding boost
There's really no escaping the political aspect of the national broadband network, and this week it was the Australian Greens' turn to have a kick at the NBN football. Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John announced the Greens policy heading into the next election, which would see the creation of a $250 million "NBN Migration Program", to help close the digital divide.
The Greens remain committed to a platform of keeping the NBN as a state-owned asset where both the original Labor-based plan and the Liberal "Multi-Technology Mix" NBN have always had the assumption that the NBN would be sold off once completed, with Telstra hotly tipped to at least bid for it through its InfraCo business.
Senator Steele-John stated that
"The coalition’s 'multi-technology mix' disaster has left many Australians without affordable or reliable services. The Greens will establish a Federal Telecommunications Concession, worth $1.3 billion, at a value of $60 per quarter and payable to all holders of a DHS Health Care Card to replace the limited telephone allowance, and an NBN migration program, worth $250 million, to help close the digital divide and enable all Australians to participate fully in our digital economy, society and government."
"We are committed to fixing the NBN and ensuring all Australian’s have access to affordable and reliable high-quality internet and voice services for the 21st Century."
Sky Muster goes Plus in 2019
Consumers in the NBN satellite footprint have long had to deal with broadband plans with quotas and speed limits relative to their fixed line or even fixed wireless counterparts, but there was some good news for them this week.
Broadband Offer
iiNet NBN Satellite 150GB 25/5 Mbps 1 Month
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NBN Connection
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No set-up fees
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BYO modem or purchase for $59.95 upfront ($10 delivery fee applies)
$44.99
Monthly
Min. Total Cost of $44.99
 |
150GBData |
5 - 25 MbpsDownload Speed |
NBN Co has announced that it will offer "Sky Muster Plus" plans from next year, with the promise of speeds that may peak over 25Mbps, depending on network conditions. That's maybe not so exciting, but for those on restrictive quotas, the news that "essential" Internet services won't be part of their data quota on the new plans is welcome. You can find out everything that's been announced about Sky Muster Plus right here at finder.
Activ8me gobbles up Boom Broadband
The NBN has seen the emergence of many "new" telco brands for consumers to pick from, although figures do suggest that many of us are sticking to the larger established telco brands regardless. That's left a smaller pool of niche players, and this week the pool shrunk even further, with news that Activ8Me has acquired the broadband business of Boom Broadband. CRN quotes Boom Broadband director Phillip Pratt as stating that "Activ8me were our preferred provider when it came time to sell Boom Broadband so we are thrilled that our customers will be with an Australian provider of such quality".
As always, if you need a new plan — or it's just time to compare your NBN options — check out the internet plans according to your budget and are available at your address.
Not sure which NBN plan is right for you? Take our NBN quiz to find out!
Finder to the Node is a weekly round-up of all the latest news surrounding Australia's complex National Broadband Network.
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Image: Shutterstock
