Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I seek the indulgence of the chair to add to an answer.

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The minister may proceed.

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In response to a question from the member for Bradfield about the rollout of the NBN in stage 1 communities in Tasmania of Smithton, Scottsdale and Midway Point, I can inform the member that in total the five internet service providers—Exetel, iiNet, Internode, iPrimus and Telstra—are offering services at a price as low as $29.95 per month for 25 megabits per second and $59.95 per month for 100 megabits per second. iPrimus has a broadband and phone bundle which includes all calls in Australia, including to mobiles, for $89.95. This compares with similar offers of around $129 a month, meaning a saving of $40, and Telstra, which came on board just this week, is offering a free trial for 100 customers.

Over 50 per cent of people and businesses in those stage 1 communities have asked NBN to connect fibre to their premises. Over 50 per cent is the answer to the question I was asked for the communities of Smithton, Scottsdale and Midway Point. Most customers will have to see out their existing contracts with providers before they make the switch from those providers to the NBN.