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15 August 2008
215/2008
Singtel Optus’ breathtaking hypocrisy – it is time to come clean Mr O’Sullivan
Singtel Optus must come clean on whether it has handed over its network information and stop
misleading the public about the National Broadband Network (NBN).
Telstra’s Director Government Relations, David Quilty, said that Telstra has complied voluntarily and
on-time with every request for network information. The Government has publicly recognised
Telstra’s significant efforts in this regard (see below).
"It is a disgrace that Singtel Optus CEO Paul O'Sullivan continues to peddle the fallacy that Telstra is
holding up the NBN. Telstra has been trying to build this network since 2005 and we want to get on
with the job as soon as possible,’ Mr Quilty said.
“Mr O’Sullivan’s hypocrisy is breathtaking. For months, he fought tooth and nail for a prolonged
extension of the NBN process. On 4 May 2008, he told Alan Kohler on ABC Inside Business that:
“We’ve been very clear to the Government; we are seeking an extension of the deadline by at least five
months from when the information is provided.”
“Mr O’Sullivan must come clean and say whether or not Singtel Optus has submitted its network
information in response to the Government’s original request in February and the further request last
month. A simple YES or NO answer will suffice
As the chief beneficiary of the ACCC’s below-cost unbundled local loop prices, Singtel Optus has a
huge incentive to delay the NBN as long as possible so it can continue to ‘cherry pick’ in the big cities,
while refusing to invest capital in its own HFC – the world’s laziest cable network.
"Shame on Mr O'Sullivan for playing these silly games as Australia’s economy loses an estimated
$200 million of benefits every month that the NBN is not built."
FACTS
``The Government has already received a significant amount of information from Telstra that it is ready to
provide to proponents. This can occur when proponents have certified appropriate security arrangements are in
place.'' (Ministerial Media Release, 7 August 2008)
A spokesman for Communications Minister Stephen Conroy yesterday confirmed Telstra had provided it with
further information but said it was still being assessed to make sure it fitted with the finalised guidelines
(Herald Sun, 8 August 2008)
Telstra Media Contact
Jeremy Mitchell (0438 205 416)
NEWS 
