Telstra looks set to have a big role in the construction of the national broadband network, with negotiations on a fibre-to-the-node pilot due to be completed within a month.
It would involve more than 300 node cabinet units, each capable of connecting about 300 homes and businesses to the NBN.
If successful, Telstra’s pilot could become one of Australia’s biggest fibre-to-the-node rollouts and a blueprint for any increased partnership with Telstra in the construction of the NBN.
Bitcoin tax ruling
The IRS has spoken: Bitcoins are property, not currency. The US Internal Revenue Service made the ruling last week, saying that bitcoin should be classified as a tradable commodity such as stock or property rather than as a currency.
Charles Allen, chief executive officer of online marketplace BitcoinShop Inc, told Bloomberg he’d like to see the IRS reconsider its decision as virtual currencies develop.
“The implications this decision will have on the bitcoin ecosystem are far reaching, and will be burdensome for both individual users of bitcoins, bitcoin-focused business and for the general adoption of virtual currencies,” he said, adding that bitcoin users will adapt to the rules.”
This was hardly a surprise, but it has some important implications that tell us a lot about what it takes to make a currency work.
Turnbull lays down the law to ABC board
Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull has warned ABC board members that if they are not willing to ensure the accuracy of content on the national broadcaster then they should resign.
Turnbull says the “law of the land” couldn’t be clearer and the board needs to take responsibility for accuracy and impartiality.
Aussie Dollar
The Aussie dollar is trading at 92.42 US cents, down from 92.66 cents on Friday.
Bronwen has extensive experience in startups having run her own, worked at Australia’s leading startup incubator and as digital director at a local VC fund. She’s the vice-president of the Public Interest Journalism Foundation with a keen interest in digital media and the future of journalism. She has over 15 years experience as a journalist and is also a popular columnist with The Guardian.
