The author of this article is uninformed to say the least.

The speeds quoted are consistent with a low-end 25/5Mbps plan. Using this single datapoint as a measure of the worth of the network is ridiculous. 100/40Mbps plans are available right now, and 250/500/1000Mbps plans will be available soon - the hardware is already capable of these speeds, we're just waiting for RSPs to finalise their product offerings.

There is nothing wrong with government-owned 'natural monopoly' infrastructure, wholesaling to competitive retail providers. This makes a lot more sense than infrastructure level competition - we've already seen this fail in Australia with cable networks (Telstra vs Optus).

As it stands, we are now cancelling a nationwide FTTP network in favour of a $41B FTTN rollout - technology that is already >10 years old and nearing the end of its useful life.

Thanks Liberals.