From
http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/telstra-submits-broadband-network-bid/20080509-
2cll.html

Telstra has told other companies intending to bid for the $4.7 billion
national broadband network to put up or shut up.

The telco took another step towards securing the rights to the project after
lodging a $5 million bidder's bond, required under the rules of the federal
government's request for proposals.

"Today's actions by Telstra put us a step closer to starting work, and put
the onus on others to quit complaining and put up their money," Telstra
spokeswoman Kate McKenzie said.

The bond was submitted this morning along with information about the telco's
network, which other potential bidders say they need in order to complete
their bids.

But the information cannot be passed on to third parties until there is
agreement between Telstra and the government on a confidentiality deed.

"Telstra sees no reason why this cannot happen immediately," the company
said.

Telstra said it had also provided the government with a mathematical model
that other bidders can use to help estimate their costs.

The model is based on Telstra's physical records of the elements within the
company's network.

Linked to Telstra's cable and plant data, the model allows bidders to
estimate costs based on the location of homes and exchanges, pits and pipes.

It will also calculate the impact of hills, valleys and other landforms on
costs.

"With the combination of the network information and the (mathematical)
model, Telstra's competitors will have access to data that is reasonably
required to put together their bids," Ms McKenzie said.

"Anyone who now spends time complaining, rather than getting on with the
job, cannot be taken seriously."