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Telstra can begin rolling out fibre optic cable for a new super fast national broadband network within 48 hours, if given the all clear by the new Federal Labor Government.
The telco's regulatory affairs head, Phil Burgess, said an immediate roll-out was possible.
"We're prepared with a plan, with the money and the talent and technology to get the job done," he said.
"Within 48 hours, we can start digging holes."
Labor's election on Saturday night changes the telco landscape significantly - telecommunications was one area of substantial policy difference between the two major parties.
The defeated coalition government's objective was to ensure high speed broadband access through a range of technologies, including wireless WiMax technology.
To that end, former communications minister Helen Coonan earlier this year approved a grant of almost A$1 billion ($1.16 billion) to an Optus and Elders (Opel) joint venture to build a wireless bush broadband network.
But the future of that programme is in doubt because of Labor's promise to match A$4.7 billion of public money with a similar private sector contribution to build a national fibre optic broadband network.
Early last month, Labor communications spokesman Stephen Conroy said the party would honour the funding to Opel, but hinted the partners might wish to review their business plan. "We're going to build a national high speed fibre network," Conroy said.
"The question is not 'what's Labor going to do about Opel, it's what Opel's going to do about Labor's fibre to the node network'."
But an Optus spokeswoman indicated Opel would continue seeking approvals and planning for the network.
"Detailed planning and preparation for the build of the Opel network is presently being conducted by Optus and Elders and that is our focus," she said.
Optus will also compete for the Labor Government's A$4.7 billion fibre optic broadband funding.
Burgess said Telstra always did its best to work with the government of the day, but added that he was pleased by Labor's election.
Senator Coonan is unlikely to be missed by Telstra.
"'Her main legacy is giving A$1 billion to a foreign government to duplicate an existing network," Burgess said.
- AAP
