The extension, for a further four years, applies while the Government continues to implement its broader broadband policy agenda.

The Broadband Guarantee program will receive additional funding in the 2008–09 Budget which will bring the total program funding up to $271 million over four years.

“The Broadband Guarantee has played an important role in ensuring high-quality, equitable broadband access for the more remote areas of Australia,” Senator Conroy said.

The extension of this program will provide a safety net for Australians, particularly those in rural and regional Australia, who currently cannot access metro-comparable broadband services, while the Government implements longer term solutions to improve access to broadband services available for all Australians.

“The Australian Government is committed to providing Australians with access to high quality broadband services, no matter where they live or work,” Senator Conroy said.

“However, it is important that all Australians have equitable access to broadband, both while the network is being rolled out, and in those most remote areas that the new network may not cover.”

“That is why the Government is separately conducting a consultation process on policy and funding initiatives to provide enhanced broadband to rural and remote areas, including those that may fall outside the new network.

“In response to industry and consumer feedback, changes will be made to the Broadband Guarantee to encourage greater terrestrial broadband access and to target Australians living in remote and difficult-to-service ‘blackspot’ areas.

“There will be greater incentives for industry to take a whole-of-region approach to network deployment.

"The certainty of funding will also ensure internet service providers are not hindered from making longer-term plans for building infrastructure.”