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HiBIS News
Update – key figures
HiBIS has now registered 44 retail providers and five ‘wholesale only’ providers since the Scheme was launched in April 2004. Applications from Internet service providers (ISPs) continue to be assessed, indicating ongoing industry interest in the Scheme.
As at 25 November 2005, more than 72,000 customers were connected to HiBIS broadband services. The majority are connected by ADSL (61.28 per cent), while 26.81 per cent use satellite, 10.87 per cent use wireless and the remaining 1.04 per cent use cable.
The HiBIS customer demand register has over 8,500 entries. This is a dynamic list, accessible by all registered HiBIS providers. Entries are removed once the customer is connected to a HiBIS service.
BushCom – Important Notice
BushCom Pty Ltd is no longer a registered provider under the HiBIS Scheme and is unable to connect new customers under the Scheme. BushCom's obligations to provide internet access to HiBIS customers who contracted with BushCom prior to 26 September 2005 remain unaffected.
Telstra
In the interest of encouraging competition, the HiBIS Guidelines have a provision that no one provider can receive more than 60 per cent of available funds in any one financial year or over the life of the program. Telstra has reached the 60 per cent cap and is currently not offering HiBIS services.
Data speed testing
Enex Pty Ltd has been contracted by the Department to monitor the data speed measurement facility which ensures HiBIS providers are meeting their service requirements. Providers are tested every month (both at random and on a targeted basis), in accordance with requirements specified in the HiBIS Guidelines. Test results are published on the DCITA website monthly. Customers can also undertake their own data speed tests – to do so, please check the instructions provided on the website.
Evolution from HiBIS to Broadband Connect
Broadband Connect will evolve from HiBIS in two stages.
The first stage will commence on 1 January 2006 with only minimal changes to the current guidelines for HiBIS. These changes include a reduction in the price that HiBIS providers can charge customers to ensure that the Scheme follows market trends in metropolitan areas, and a restriction on the time period whereby providers can make claims after installing or upgrading terrestrial infrastructure and connecting services in any particular service area.
The second stage of Broadband Connect will commence on 1 July 2006. On 17 November 2005, a discussion paper on Broadband Connect was released. A period of consultation to assist with longer term program design has now commenced. In particular this process of discussion and consultation will consider what aspects of HiBIS should be improved or removed in favour of alternative approaches to ensure solutions are in place to facilitate the provision of sustainable broadband in regional Australia.
The closing date for submissions from interested stakeholders is 18 January 2006.
Program guidelines for the remaining three years of Broadband Connect are expected to be published toward the end of the first quarter of 2006.