G9 (consortium)

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The G9 is a name used in the Australian media to describe a consortium of Australian Internet service providers who, in 2006, publicly stated their intention to join forces under the company name SpeedReach, in order to upgrade Australia's telecommunications infrastructure.[1]

The companies involved are AAPT, Internode Systems, iiNet, Macquarie Telecom, Optus, Powertel, Primus Telecom, Soul and TransACT.

A notable absence from the list is Telstra. The G9 consortium came about in response to a proposal from Telstra to build a Fibre to the node (FTTN) communications network around Australia. The G9 (which at the time comprised eight companies — iiNet was yet to join) responded that the new network would lock out all competitors, and would only provide speeds which were achievable with the existing infrastructure. They proposed an alternate open network which, with Telstra's participation, would have covered a larger percentage of the population and allowed open competition for the same cost. Telstra refused, and due to regulatory issues, abandoned their original plan.

In December 2006, the group announced their intention to combine to invest in a Fibre To The Node network. They plan to lodge a special access undertaking regarding pricing policy with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission in early 2007.[1]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Chris Jenkins. "Telstra rivals prepare to build fibre network", The Australian, 2006-12-07. Retrieved on 2006-12-07.
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