UFB respondents asked to submit refined proposals

UFB respondents asked to submit refined proposals

Crown Fibre Holdings will shortly be inviting Respondents to the Government’s Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) Initiative to submit refined proposals.

Yesterday the Government announced amendments to the model for the UFB Initiative, informed by feedback received from Respondents to the Government’s original proposal.

“The move to providing both Layers 1 and 2 on an open access basis will result in an improved outcome for the UFB Initiative for Government, private sector investors and customers,” said Crown Fibre Holdings Chairman Simon Allen.

“Crown Fibre Holdings will shortly be inviting Respondents to refine their original proposals in light of the amended UFB settings. Refined proposals will need to be submitted by August. Following that Crown Fibre Holdings will determine a shortlist of Respondents.”

“We expect to make recommendations on preferred investment partners to Shareholding Ministers in October 2010, with the initiative commencing before the end of the year.”

Crown Fibre completed the eligibility assessment stage in March where all 18 Respondents progressed to the next stage. Discussions were held with all Respondents during April and the next stage of assessment of existing proposals was completed by the end of May.

Crown Fibre Holdings will be communicating directly with all Respondents to confirm the process for submitting Refined Proposals.

Background

Crown Fibre Holdings has been established to manage the Crown’s $1.5 billion investment in ultra-fast broadband infrastructure over the next ten years.

In October 2009, an Invitation to Participate seeking proposals to participate in the Ultra-Fast Broadband Initiative was released.

By 29 January 2010, proposals from 18 different parties and consortia (Respondents) had been received.

ENDS

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