THE company responsible for rolling out the National Broadband Network in Tasmania has moved to reassure people that the roll-out is on track, after federal Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull raised doubts about the viability of its contract.
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In a statement released today, Visionstream general manager Allen Bradford said the company had been in discussions with NBN Co and made the roll-out process more efficient.
``We look forward to continuing our current work to roll out this important infrastructure and collaboratively reviewing design and construction processes with NBN Co for more efficient and effective delivery,'' Mr Bradford said.
The roll-out has been hit by delays caused by the discovery of asbestos in Telstra cable pits and is reportedly over-budget.
Mr Turnbull said Visionstream had asked for more money and more time, and was therefore seeking to vary their contract.
He said the government's commitment to honour existing contracts did not include funding a fibre-to-the-premises roll-out ``at any price.''
Mr Bradford said the company was releasing new tenders for work to ensure the project remained on track.
``We've always remained committed to delivering the NBN in Tasmania,'' he said.
``We have a 200 strong workforce in the state, 10 trainees and a large contracting workforce to ensure this project is delivered.''
The Tasmanian government has put forward a proposal for Visionstream to use Aurora Energy's electricity poles and wires as a cheaper and faster alternative to an underground network. NBN Co is understood to be considering the proposal.
