Broadband deadline set for July 25
Competitive telecommunications infrastructure suppliers have until July 25 to submit their RFP for a national 12 Mbps broadband network covering 98% of the Australian population. Digital Economy minister Stephen Conroy issued his long-awaited RFP in April pledging up to $4.7 billion in government funding. Proposals will be assessed by the appointed panel of experts, who will offer their recommendation to the Government. Potential bidders must invest an upfront fee of $5 million by May 23 to be included in the process. Refunds will only be given to the successful bidder, or to all bidders, if the Government alters the process before completion.
Google chief Down Under
Google CEO Eric Schmidt made his virgin visit in Sydney in March to anoint plans for the expansion of Google’s local operations with a new Googleplex slated to open in 2009 at Pyrmont and affirming Google’s local commitment to research and development and increasing local head count. Schmidt also signed a deal with Optus and met with high-yield advertising clients and key industry figures. The company also launched Google Transit in Western Australia with Transperth. The application combines Google maps with local urban transport information.
8 Aussie websites in line for Webb Awards
Eight Australian websites have been nominated for this year’s Webby Awards – the Oscars for the online creative community. The Australian contenders for the awards include SkillsOne, Virgin Radio International, The Lynx Effect, the South Australian Tourism Commission, ElectroCity, Resident Advisor, McDonald’s Chicken microsite and Electronic Arts Sim City. Over 150 Australian companies entered the awards, and will compete with entries from 60 countries across the globe. Public voting started May 1 and winners will be announced on May 6. An awards ceremony will be held in June at Cipriani’s in New York City. Judges include David Bowie, Richard Branson, Beck and Matt Groening.
Oz winners at Content 360 Competition
Australia also featured strongly among entrants for MIPTV/MILIA Content 360 Competition in April with two Aussies taking out key prizes. The 10 winners were chosen from 27 short-listed producers and designers across the competition’s eight categories by digital commissioners from Content 360’s partners: the BBC, the Korean Broadcasting & Communications Commission (BCC), the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) and Ogilvy Interactive Worldwide. Rachel Boyle with the Australia’s Fanta’s Heroes entry secured the Ogilvy Interactive Category – Using the Power of the Brand for the Power of Good, receiving a partnership deal for an Ogilvy UK project valued atC=10,000 ($A16,900). While compatriot Marissa Cooke’s Expressions of Kindness won an Ogilvy US client project valued at $US5000 ($A5300).
