Telstra calls for quick passage of NBN bill
20 Oct 2010
Australia's largest telco Telstra today welcomed the introduction of the draft laws crucial for rolling out of the National Broadband Network (NBN), saying that "on balance" the bill enjoyed the support of the company.
The comments came as the share price for Australia's largest telco tanked to its lowest mark since the company first listed on the stock exchange in November 1997.
In a statement to the Australian Stock Exchange, Telstra chief David Thodey said the interests of the shareholders would be best served if the bill were to be passed quickly.
"We believe the interests of Telstra shareholders would be best served by the bill being passed this year so that a definitive agreement on our involvement in the NBN can be reached quickly," he said.
Rival telco, Optus, has also called for the passing of the legislation.
Optus director of government and corporate affairs Maha Krishnapillai said the company needed to assess some of the detail, however it was keen for the reform to be passed as soon as possible.
