Senator CONROY (Victoria—Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Digital Productivity) (14:08): I thank the senator for her ongoing interest in the National Broadband Network. I am pleased to inform the Senate that, just yesterday, a new era of competition was again highlighted as Optus revealed its NBN pricing. Optus's prices, like those of Exetel, Primus and iiNet, and Internode before them, prove again that superfast broadband services offered over the NBN will at the very least be comparable with today's broadband prices, with the added benefit of significant increases in speed and quality of services— Senator Ian Macdonald interjecting— Senator CONROY: I am sure that the member for Bradfield, in the other place, who is a former Optus executive, has also noticed. I wonder whether he will attempt to smear his former employer, as he pathetically attacked Exetel and Dodo when they released their plans—$34.50, Senator Macdonald. Thirty-four dollars fifty— The PRESIDENT: Senator Conroy, address your comments only to the chair— Senator CONROY: My apologies, Mr President— The PRESIDENT: and not to individuals themselves— Senator CONROY: I am pleased— Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Conroy, you might just resume your seat, because when there is silence we will proceed. Senator Conroy. Senator CONROY: I am pleased to inform the Senate that the price of Optus's 25-megabit stand-alone broadband plan is exactly what it is charging today for its broadband over the copper network. In fact, if customers choose to bundle services, the 12-megabit entry-level NBN product from Optus can be had for under $40 a month. I wait with bated breath to see exactly whether Mr Fletcher will attack Optus for being too expensive or too cheap, because he cannot make up his mind. He cannot make up his mind; it is just embarrassing, but it typifies the approach taken by those opposite. We now have multiple retail service providers competing, for the first time, on a level playing field. (Time expired)