The minister for broadband, communications and the digital economy said in a statement that Abbott had misled the public in his by saying that NBN services could be three times higher than what they currently pay for existing ADSL plans.

"Why spend $50 billion on a National Broadband Network so customers can subsequently spend almost three times their current monthly fee for speeds they might not need?" Abbott said.

"Why dig up every street when fibre to the node could more swiftly and more affordably deliver 21st century broadband? "And why put so much into the NBN when the same investment could more than duplicate the Pacific Highway, Sydney's M5 and the road between Hobart and Launceston; build Sydney's M4 East, the Melbourne Metro, and Brisbane's Cross City Rail plus upgrade Perth Airport and still leave about $10 billion for faster broadband?"

Conroy said that prices for NBN plans released to date are cheaper than, or equivalent to, existing ADSL plans, but with much improved quality of service.

"Internet service providers such as Skymesh are offering NBN services from while Exetel's entry-level plan costs $35.00 per month," he said. "A number of other retail providers, including Optus, offer NBN services starting from $39.95 and $49.95 per month. Thanks to the NBN, competition between retail providers is increasing," Conroy said. "Tony Abbott should check his facts before delivering a national address in the Australian Parliament." Conroy also responded to Abbott's comment that investing in the NBN should be replaced by additional spending on roads.