Terria (consortium)
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Terria, formerly known as G9[1] is a name used to describe a consortium of Australian Internet service providers who, in 2006, publicly stated their intention to join forces in order to upgrade Australia's telecommunications infrastructure.[2]
The companies involved are AAPT, Internode Systems, iiNet, Macquarie Telecom, Optus, Primus Telecom, Soul and TransACT. Powertel was an original member of the G9, but was acquired by AAPT, and the rebranding of the consortium to Terria reflects this change.
A notable absence from the list is Telstra. Terria came about in response to a proposal from Telstra to build a Fibre to the node (FTTN) communications network around Australia. The consortium (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. [3] Telstra refused, and apparently 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 lodged a special access undertaking regarding pricing policy with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission in June 2007.[2]
In December 2007, the ACCC rejected the plan, due to a lack of incentives for providers of the service to compete. [4]
In May 2008, the consortium, upon its rebranding to Terria, placed the 5 million dollar bond for to take part in the tender process to develop the national broadband network promised by the Rudd federal government. [5]
[edit] References
- ^ Corner, Stuart. "G9 becomes TERRiA, barks about structural separation", iTWire, 2008-05-21. Retrieved on 2008-05-24.
- ^ a b Jenkins, Chris. "Telstra rivals prepare to build fibre network", The Australian, 2006-12-07. Retrieved on 2006-12-07.
- ^ (2006-07-10). "A Competitive Model for National Broadband Upgrade" (PDF). . The Allen Consulting Group and dandolo partners Retrieved on 2006-12-07.
- ^ Best, Jo. "ACCC rejects G9 proposal with a thumbs-up", ZDNet Australia, 2007-12-17. Retrieved on 2008-05-24.
- ^ "Terria launches national broadband bid", AAP via The Age, 2008-05-23. Retrieved on 2008-05-24.
