$70m backbone deal up for grabs

Correction: The backbone is to be a national undertaking, not just for Victoria as was originally reported.

update The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) has called for suppliers to build a backbone fibre network for the nation's educational institutions.

The vendor charged with building what has been dubbed the Vocational Education Broadband Network will be engaged under a three-year deal worth $70 million.

The network came from a promise made by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd following last year's 2020 Summit.

Once built, non-TAFE-registered training organisations, school authorities, peering networks, as well as online education and training resources will access it.

DEEWR wants the network to be able to connect with existing TAFE networks.

Applications for the work close on 6 April 2010.