Another country has decided to skip the Fibre to the Node technology being considered by the Australian government and head straight down the Fibre to the Premise path.

United Communications Ltd is planning build a 2,200km network in the Indian Ocean nation of Mauritius, and is asking financial support from the government, banks and local businesses.

Although a relatively small nation making it inexpensive to build, it is government policy to make telecommunications the fifth pillar of its economy after sugar, textiles, tourism and financial services, and to become a regional telecom hub with Singapore as a role model.

Just another embarrassment for Australia in terms of our competitive position in the Global Digital Economy. There are several developing African economies who now believe Fibre to the Premise will strengthen their economic performance including Rwanda, Morocco, and Algeria