NBN Co will soon begin an important phase of open consultation with its wholesale customers and the telecommunications industry as a whole.

The first step of this consultation process will be the distribution of a Product Consultation Paper. The paper will provide an outline of NBN Co's product plans for the national broadband network. NBN Co will then invite industry participants to offer written submissions in response.

The second phase of consultation will be a series of industry forums planned for early 2010 in Sydney, Melbourne and other capital cities.

These forums offer an opportunity for all industry players and interested stakeholders to learn more about the operational and product-based aspects of the NBN and offer their direct feedback on these plans.

NBN Co acknowledges the extensive consultation work already undertaken by communications industry group Communications Alliance and the valuable insights this work has provided on a whole range of industry issues.

"NBN Co is committed to fostering strong relationships with our wholesale customers and the industry as a whole," said NBN Co Head of Industry Development Christy Boyce. "We plan to consult widely with our key stakeholders to ensure the National Broadband Network meets both the needs of Australian broadband users now and well into the future."

NBN Co welcomes written submissions from industry participants on topics set out in its consultation paper including high-level technology standards and the scope of the proposed NBN Co product offer.

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