Opposition criticises broadband plan

Taxpayers will be paying off the federal government's $11 billion broadband plan for
decades to come, opposition finance spokesman Andrew Robb says.
An $11 billion national network broadband deal with Telstra, announced by the
government on Sunday, will use the telco's infrastructure to roll out the scheme.
"There's absolutely no doubt that what the government has announced today will mean
much higher prices for customers in achieving and accessing broadband in the years
ahead," Mr Robb told reporters on Sunday.
"It'll come with a multi-billion dollar taxpayer debt that will have to be paid off
over decades."
He said the network would not be delivered for eight years and would not receive
shareholder agreement for 12 months.
The opposition says it will unveil a cheaper alternative before the election.
Mr Robb said the coalition would properly involve the private sector in a national
broadband service in a shorter timeframe and without wastage.
"This is government gone mad," he said of the government's plan.
"There are people out there, especially in regional Australia, who are just
absolutely dying to see a service which is effectively and quickly introduced."