Communications Alliance Pty Ltd

Communications Alliance Proposes Technical Standards for the NBN

Sydney, 18 February, 2010 – Communications Alliance, the peak body for the Australian communications industry, today released a draft overview of technical standards for the National Broadband Network.

Titled National Broadband Network – Overview of Technical Standards, the draft identifies local and international standards and industry documents that can assist in the design and rollout of the NBN and its delivery of Layer 2 wholesale services.

The paper also covers technical issues including:

• The relevance of the ongoing work of key standards bodies to the NBN (including Broadband Forum, Metro-Ethernet Forum, and the ITU-T);
• The characteristics of competing access technologies (EPON and GPON); and
• Standards that will assist the NBN to support IPv6 and be secure, robust, environmentally sustainable and future-proof.

The paper was developed as part of the Communications Alliance NBN Project by the Technical working group.  It builds on earlier NBN Project outcomes including the proposed NBN Reference Architecture and NBN Wholesale Service Definition Framework – Ethernet.

Communications Alliance CEO Anne Hurley said: “The Communications Alliance NBN Project now involves over 168 people from 57 separate organisations.  As we saw from the recent NBN Industry Connection Forums we held in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney, there is a high level of commitment to this project throughout the industry and its work is proving very valuable to NBN Co.

“The Overview of Technical Standards is the latest outcome of the Project and one that we hope will inspire further discussion and debate as to the appropriate technical operating framework for the NBN.  I would like to congratulate the Technical working group on their delivery of a comprehensive and informative paper and thank them for their significant contribution to the NBN Project,” Ms Hurley said.

The draft National Broadband Network – Overview of Technical Standards is available from the Communications Alliance website at:
http://commsalliance.com.au/Documents/public-comment

Communications Alliance invites interested parties to comment on the draft.  Submissions are due by 5pm on Friday 12 March 2010 and responses to the paper will be published on the Communications Alliance website.

The Communications Alliance NBN Project was established in July 2009 and includes seven working groups: NBN Reference Model; Wholesale Services; Early Stage Deployments; End User Premises; Operational; Technical; and End User Migration. 

Communications Alliance recently published Release 1 versions of its NBN Reference Architecture and NBN Wholesale Service Definition Framework – Ethernet papers following the public comment process.  It has also published a draft National Broadband Network End User Premises Installation, Distribution, Testing and Associated Practice Handbook.

About Communications Alliance

Communications Alliance is the peak body for the Australian communications industry.  It presents a unified voice for its members in public policy, facilitates industry solutions to industry issues, and provides up-to-date information on industry issues.  Communications Alliance is also leading the industry's response to the National Broadband Network implementation.  For further information see www.commsalliance.com.au

Media information contact:
Einsteinz Communications
T: (02) 8905 0995
E: jennifer@einsteinz.com.au
E: pru@einsteinz.com.au
E: ashleigh@einsteinz.com.au

Broadband and Beyond 2010 Kicks Off in Sydney

Sydney, 10 February, 2010 – Communications Alliance’s third annual Broadband and Beyond conference opened in Sydney this morning with addresses by Communications Alliance Chairman, Michael Lee, Seven Network Director, Ryan Stokes, and NBN Co Executive Chairman and CEO, Mike Quigley.

Communications Alliance Chairman Michael Lee, welcomed conference participants and outlined the importance of today’s discussions for the future of communications in Australia.

“The nations that invest in better communications will give their companies, their workers and their students and researchers an advantage over all the rest”.

Mr Lee also said: “It is hard to think of a bigger idea, or a bigger enterprise, than upgrading Australia’s communications for the 21st Century - or one that has more potential to benefit the nation for decades to come.

In his address to Broadband and Beyond 2010, Ryan Stokes said: “Broadband provides connected and converged communications, information, entertainment, services, and social engagement. These are frequently summed up using the crude moniker of ‘content’. Content however, is not just what fills the pipes connecting customers, it is the reason why consumers connect at all.

“Today for media companies content creation is more important than ever. Enabling technologies mean it is no longer enough to simply own the rights; media companies must create the content to ensure better control on value realisation,” Mr Stokes commented.

The conference continues throughout the day with sessions featuring: 

• Nigel Milan, Royal Flying Doctor Service CEO;
• Alan Noble, Google Australia’s Engineering Director;
• Hugh F. Durrant-Whyte, Research Director for the Centre of Excellence for Autonomous Systems;
• Angela Clark, Macquarie Radio Network Consultant;
• David Roffe, CIO of St Vincent’s Hospital;
• Hugh Baldwin, Digital Media Director for Nickelodeon;
• Mike Walsh, Tomorrow CEO;
• Greg Sneddon, Sales Director for Village Roadshow; and
• David Skellern, National ICT Australia CEO.

About Communications Alliance

Communications Alliance is the peak body for the Australian communications industry.  It presents a unified voice for its members in public policy, facilitates industry solutions to industry issues, and provides up-to-date information on industry issues.  Communications Alliance is also leading the industry's response to the National Broadband Network implementation.  For further information see www.commsalliance.com.au

Media information contact:
Einsteinz Communications
T: (02) 8905 0995
E: jennifer@einsteinz.com.au            
E: pru@einsteinz.com.au
E: ashleigh@einsteinz.com.au

Broadband and Beyond 2010 set to inspire Australian innovation

Seven Network’s Ryan Stokes to deliver keynote address

Sydney, 26 January 2010 – Communications Alliance will focus on opportunities for broadband innovation at its third annual Broadband and Beyond conference next month.

To be held in Sydney on Wednesday, 10 February, 2010, Broadband and Beyond 2010 will bring together representatives of a broad cross-section of industries as well as government, researchers, and future NBN users with a theme of ‘Collaborating and Innovating’ for the broadband environment. 

The keynote address will be presented by Seven Network Director, Ryan Stokes, on Seven’s broadband vision, including how vividwireless and the Network’s other assets will contribute to Australia’s broadband future. 

NBN Co Executive Chairman and CEO, Mike Quigley, will also present to the conference on the role of collaboration in driving take-up of the NBN.

Anne Hurley, Communications Alliance CEO, said: “Broadband and Beyond 2010 will shine the spotlight on innovation and collaboration in the broadband era.  Our fantastic line-up of speakers will inspire us to think beyond the infrastructure to the applications that will both drive uptake of the NBN and ensure we experience its full benefits. 

“At the same time, the conference will explore the critical role of collaboration in the broadband environment and the conditions that will help foster Australian innovation,” Ms Hurley said.

In addition to Ryan Stokes and Mike Quigley, Broadband and Beyond 2010 will feature high-calibre speakers including:  

Communications Alliance Chairman, Michael Lee; Google Australia’s Engineering Director, Alan Noble; Royal Flying Doctor Service CEO, Nigel Milan; Macquarie Radio Network Consultant, Angela Clark; National ICT Australia CEO, David Skellern; Research Director for the Centre of Excellence for Autonomous Systems, Hugh F. Durrant-Whyte; CIO of St Vincent’s Hospital, David Roffe; Digital Media Director for Nickelodeon, Hugh Baldwin; Tomorrow CEO, Mike Walsh; and Sales Director for Village Roadshow, Greg Sneddon.

For further details or to register for Broadband and Beyond 2010, visit:www.broadbandandbeyond.com

About Communications Alliance

Communications Alliance is the peak body for the Australian communications industry.  It presents a unified voice for its members in public policy, facilitates industry solutions to industry issues, and provides up-to-date information on industry issues.  Communications Alliance is also leading the industry's response to the National Broadband Network implementation.  For further information see www.commsalliance.com.au

Media information contact:
Einsteinz Communications
T: (02) 8905 0995
E: jennifer@einsteinz.com.au            
E: pru@einsteinz.com.au
E: ashleigh@einsteinz.com.au

Communications Industry to Kick-off 2010 with NBN Forums

NBN Co to present at Communications Alliance Industry Connection #4 in February

Sydney, 19 January 2010 – Communications Alliance, the peak body for the Australian communications industry, will host the fourth series of NBN Industry Connection Forums in February. 

NBN Industry Connection #4 will include presentations by Paul Brooks, NBN Lead Consultant for Communications Alliance, on the organisation’s NBN Project including critical issues relating to End User Premises, and by NBN Co on recent developments and the Company’s consultation paper on wholesale fibre bitstream products.

The Forums will be held in Sydney, Melbourne, and for the first time, Perth.  The Perth Forum will be co-presented by the State’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry and will also feature a presentation by Michael Malone, CEO of iiNet, on the key challenges and opportunities for ISPs in the NBN environment.  NBN Co will be represented by Matthew Lobb in Perth, Gary McLaren in Melbourne, and Christy Boyce in Sydney.

According to Communications Alliance CEO Anne Hurley, the Forums are meeting the need for collaboration and information sharing among the industry.

“This year will be a critical one for the NBN and Communications Alliance is hitting the ground running with our fourth NBN Industry Connection series in February.  We are delighted NBN Co will once again present to the Forums and we are excited to be hosting our first Perth NBN Forum as part of the upcoming series. 

“The industry enthusiastically welcomed the opportunity to table and debate key issues at our NBN Industry Connection Forums in 2009.  We are continuing the series in 2010 to provide regular opportunities for collaboration and information as our NBN Project progresses and the NBN itself begins to take shape,” Ms Hurley commented.

NBN Industry Connection #4 will be held in Perth on 2 February, Melbourne on 4 February, and Sydney on 9 February.

Industry participants are invited to register for the Forums at: http://www.commsalliance.com.au/events/Calendar

The NBN Industry Connection Forum series was launched by Communications Alliance in May 2009 to facilitate the industry’s contribution to the NBN.  Following the inaugural Forum, Communications Alliance established the industry’s NBN Project which has now released three draft papers: NBN Reference Architecture; NBN Wholesale Service Definition Framework – Ethernet; and National Broadband Network End User Premises Installation, Distribution, Testing and Associated Practice Handbook.

About Communications Alliance
Communications Alliance is the peak body for the Australian communications industry.  It presents a unified voice for its members in public policy, facilitates industry solutions to industry issues, and provides up-to-date information on industry issues.  Communications Alliance is also leading the industry's response to the National Broadband Network implementation.  For further information see www.commsalliance.com.au

Media information contact:
Einsteinz Communications
T: (02) 8905 0995
E: jennifer@einsteinz.com.au            
E: pru@einsteinz.com.au
E: ashleigh@einsteinz.com.au

Communications Industry Develops End User Premises Handbook for the NBN

Public Comment Invited on Draft Handbook

Sydney, 18 January 2010 – The draft National Broadband Network End User Premises Installation, Distribution, Testing and Associated Practice Handbook details key information and issues and is intended provide a common reference point for further discussions between the communications industry, construction industry, NBN Co, government and regulators.

Developed by the End User Premises working group of the Communications Alliance NBN Project, the Handbook is designed to:

• Form a common architecture and language for NBN End User Premises to aid in discussion of components, issues and solutions;
• Describe the main NBN End User Premises components and the key details surrounding each component;
• Provide a consolidated view of options for NBN End User Premises, particularly around features, installation, testing and diagnostics; and
• Draw attention to existing NBN End User Premises-related Standards and Codes and propose modifications or the development of new Standards and Codes where required.

“The End User Premises Handbook marks a significant milestone for the NBN Project as we begin focusing on the delivery of services to end-users.  The installation and delivery of NBN services will be a highly complex undertaking involving many stakeholders.  This Handbook will provide a reference point and common language for all involved in the NBN End User Premises environment to explore the issues and determine appropriate solutions,” said Anne Hurley, Communications Alliance CEO.

“I would like to thank the members of the End User Premises working group for their dedication and outstanding contributions to the development of this important resource,” commented Ms Hurley.

The Communications Alliance NBN Project defines End User Premises as any home, business or service site connected to the NBN via FTTP or a fixed wireless service.  This includes single and multi-dwelling units, non-dwelling premises, and existing premises (brownfields).  It is anticipated that once connected to the NBN, all End User Premises will be able to access one or more service providers simultaneously. 

Currently, the Handbook focuses on fixed access network technologies, including point-to-multipoint Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) technology and point-to-point Active Ethernet technology.  However, a subsequent version of this document will also address wireless access network technologies.

The draft National Broadband Network End User Premises Installation, Distribution, Testing and Associated Practice Handbook is available from the Communications Alliance website at:

http://commsalliance.com.au/Documents/public-comment

Communications Alliance invites interested parties to comment on the Handbook and submissions are due by 5pm on Friday 12 February 2010.  Responses to the paper will be published on the Communications Alliance website.

The Communications Alliance NBN Project was established in July 2009 and includes seven working groups: NBN Reference Model; Wholesale Services; Early Stage Deployments; End User Premises; Operational; Technical; and End User Migration.  The NBN Project has already released two draft papers, NBN Reference Architecture (15 October 2009) and NBN Wholesale Service Definition Framework – Ethernet (19 November 2009).

About Communications Alliance
Communications Alliance is the peak body for the Australian communications industry.  It presents a unified voice for its members in public policy, facilitates industry solutions to industry issues, and provides up-to-date information on industry issues.  Communications Alliance is also leading the industry's response to the National Broadband Network implementation.  For further information see www.commsalliance.com.au

Media information contact:
Einsteinz Communications
T: (02) 8905 0995
E: jennifer@einsteinz.com.au            
E: pru@einsteinz.com.au
E: ashleigh@einsteinz.com.au

COMMUNICATIONS ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF BOARD ELECTIONS

Matthew Lobb, NBN Co, newly appointed to Board

Sydney, 26 November 2009 – Communications Alliance, the peak body for the Australian communications industry, has announced the results of its Board elections following today’s Annual General Meeting.

Matt Healy of Macquarie Telecom and Ric Clark of Alcatel-Lucent were re-elected, while Matthew Lobb, NBN Co Senior Advisor, was appointed to the Board for the first time.  All three Directors will serve a two year term commencing on 1 December 2009.

According to Neville Stevens, Communications Alliance Chair, this year’s elections were highly competitve.

“This year there was fierce competition for the available Board seats.  We received a record number of nominations and large numbers of Members exercised their right to vote.  We congratulate Matt Healy and Ric Clark on their re-election and are delighted to welcome Matthew Lobb to the Board for the first time.”

Matthew Lobb – Brief Biography
Matthew Lobb joined NBN Co as Senior Advisor in November 2009, with responsibility for coordinating industry input into NBN Co’s product and pricing models.  Previously, he was Senior Policy Advisor for Federal MP, Craig Emerson.  Matthew gained significant telecommunications experience during seven years with Telstra, most recently as Director of Telstra Consumer and Channels Pricing.  Prior to that, he served as Policy Advisor to Carl Scully MP, NSW Minister for Transport & Roads.

About Communications Alliance
Communications Alliance is the peak body for the Australian communications industry.  It presents a unified voice for its members in public policy, facilitates industry solutions to industry issues, and provides up-to-date information on industry issues.  Communications Alliance is also leading the industry's response to the National Broadband Network implementation.  For further information see www.commsalliance.com.au

Media information contact:
Einsteinz Communications
T: (02) 8905 0995
E: jennifer@einsteinz.com.au            
E: pru@einsteinz.com.au
E: ashleigh@einsteinz.com.au

COMMUNICATIONS ALLIANCE RELEASES NBN DATA SERVICES DEFINITION

Sydney, 19 November 2009 – Communications Alliance, the peak body for the Australian communications industry, today released a paper proposing a definition for wholesale data services to be provided by the National Broadband Network and other broadband infrastructure providers.

The paper, NBN Wholesale Service Definition Framework – Ethernet, is intended to provide highly-detailed input to assist decision making on the National Broadband Network by scoping options for a Layer 2 Ethernet Service.  The service description also provides a useful framework for service providers to consider the issues associated with integrating NBN services into their own operations and delivering those services to customers.

The Framework has been developed as part of the Communications Alliance NBN Project by its Wholesale Services working group and follows the release of the National Broadband Network Reference Architecture last month.  The Service Description will form the foundation block for further work around the provision of voice, data and video services.

NBN Wholesale Service Definition Framework – Ethernet outlines key capabilities to be specified in the NBN service definition for three wholesale data service types:

• Ethernet Line Access Service (ELAS) - provided by a Broadband Access Provider and modelled on the Broadband Forum's Network Service Provider (NSP) model and Layer 2 Ethernet NSP wholesale service.
• Ethernet Line Backhaul Service – used to backhaul ELAS services between points of interconnection within the network.
• Ethernet Multicast Service - used to deliver multicast information streams from a point of interconnection to a set of End-User Premises. 

According to Communications Alliance CEO Anne Hurley, the paper takes industry input to a new level of detail.

“Ensuring the NBN delivers wholesale services with the features and functionality required by service providers will be critical to its success.  This paper is the first step in defining those requirements from a technical perspective and we will be expanding these definitions to include other aspects of wholesale services in coming months.

“As the second formal outcome of our NBN Project, the Wholesale Services paper is another terrific example of the industry working together to provide collaborative input into the NBN.  I would like to thank the Wholesale Services group for their commitment to this important and highly-detailed work,” Ms Hurley said.

Communications Alliance invites public comment on the paper with submissions due by 5pm on Friday 4 December 2009.  Responses to the paper will be published on the Communications Alliance website.

The NBN Wholesale Service Definition Framework – Ethernet paper is available from the Communications Alliance website at: http://commsalliance.com.au/Documents/public-comment

The Communications Alliance NBN Project was established in July 2009 and includes seven working groups: NBN Reference Model; Wholesale Services; Early Stage Deployments; End User Premises; Operational; Technical; and End User Migration.  The NBN Project’s first paper, NBN Reference Architecture, was released on 15 October 2009.

About Communications Alliance
Communications Alliance is the peak body for the Australian communications industry.  It presents a unified voice for its members in public policy, facilitates industry solutions to industry issues, and provides up-to-date information on industry issues.  Communications Alliance is also leading the industry's response to the National Broadband Network implementation.  For further information see www.commsalliance.com.au

Media information contact:
Einsteinz Communications
T: (02) 8905 0995
E: jennifer@einsteinz.com.au            
E: pru@einsteinz.com.au
E: ashleigh@einsteinz.com.au

MICHAEL LEE TO CHAIR COMMUNICATIONS ALLIANCE

Sydney, 11 November 2009 – The Board of Communications Alliance, the peak body for the Australian communications industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Lee as the organisation’s new independent Chair, effective from 1 January 2010.

A highly experienced board member and former Federal Communications Minister, Mr Lee will bring significant industry knowledge and leadership skills to the role.

Mr Lee will replace the retiring Chair, Neville Stevens, who is stepping down following seven years as Chair.  

The Board praised Mr Stevens for his longstanding leadership of Communications Alliance and his outstanding ability to forge unified positions among competitive industry players.  

According to the Board, this strength has been key to Communications Alliance’s many successes during Mr Stevens’ tenure, including the merger of the Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF) and Service Providers Industry Association (SPAN) to become Communications Alliance.  

Mr Stevens said: “Communications Alliance plays a vital role in the operation of the Australian communications industry and I am honoured to have led the Board over the past seven years.  I would like to thank my fellow Board members, the management and staff of Communications Alliance, and our members, for their support during my term as Chair.

“The industry now faces new challenges and opportunities with the NBN and I am confident that Michael Lee has the drive and experience to continue Communications Alliance’s great work and lead the organisation into the digital environment.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Lee said: “I am excited by the opportunity to lead the Communications Alliance Board at this critical time in the industry’s history.  I look forward to engaging with members in 2010 as Communications Alliance continues to lead the industry’s input into the NBN and initiates new programs to promote consumer confidence in the broadband-enabled world.”

Michael Lee – Brief Biography

Michael Lee is currently Chairman of the NSW TAFE Commission Board and a director of Country Energy, MAp Airports, DUET (Diversified Utilities and Energy Trusts) and Superpartners Pty Limited.

From 1984-2001 he was the Federal Member for Dobell, representing the NSW Central Coast.  He held the position of Minister for Communications and the Arts from 1994-1996 and was Chairman of the House of Representatives Industry, Science and Technology Committee from 1990-1993. 

During his political career he was also Minister for Tourism and Minister for Resources and was responsible for the Health and Education portfolios as Shadow Minister.  More recently, Mr Lee was a City of Sydney Councillor from 2004-2008.

Mr Lee holds a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from the University of New South Wales.

About Communications Alliance
Communications Alliance is the peak body for the Australian communications industry.  It presents a unified voice for its members in public policy, facilitates industry solutions to industry issues, and provides up-to-date information on industry issues.  Communications Alliance is also leading the industry's response to the National Broadband Network implementation.  For further information see www.commsalliance.com.au

Media information contact:
Einsteinz Communications
T: (02) 8905 0995
E: jennifer@einsteinz.com.au            
E: pru@einsteinz.com.au
E: ashleigh@einsteinz.com.au