Telstra Corporation Limited
(ASX:TLS) looks set to be a key player in the construction of the coalition's alternative national broadband network.
The coalition's cheaper NBN plan will use Telstra's last-mile copper network to connect to fibre nodes on street corners.
The plan is expected to require significant changes to the $11 billion deal Tesltra struck with the Gillard government in 2011 to lease its infrastructure and migrate its traffic on to the NBN.
Speaking with media, Telstra chief executive officer David Thodey committed to working with the coalition to deliver their NBN, but says the telco will not settle for anything less than the $11 billion deal it was to be paid under the previous agreement.
He says Telstra’s priority will remain focused on meeting its existing commitments and winning customers on the NBN where it is available.
Telstra delivered a full-year net profit of $3.86 billion in fiscal 2013.