Representatives from each company spoke at the Australian Telecommunications Users Group (ATUG) 2006 regional conference in Canberra this week about the ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Minister Helen Coonan's proposal to spend A$1.1 billion (US$845,569,000) on funding a broadband rollout through Connect Australia.

The telecommunications funding package, Coonan said, would ensure a national framework for the rollout of next-generation infrastructure for Australia both by governments and by the private sector.

"It will take a technologically-neutral approach - promoting a range of next-generation networks utilizing fiber, copper, wireless and satellite infrastructure," she said.

"The blueprint will ensure that the rollout of next-generation broadband is coordinated across jurisdictions with clearly delineated roles for state, territory and local governments that meet the needs of end users."

Coonan is calling for expressions of interest from private companies and consortiums seeking Connect Australia funding to assist their broadband rollouts.