[strongmanmike (Michael)]

Originally Posted by gary

The NBN and Sky Muster is ultimately paid for by its users, not by the taxpayer.

It uses an equity funding model.

An analogy is where a government puts forward the initial funding for a
piece of infrastructure such as road or bridge and then users pay for its
construction and use, plus interest, over time by paying a toll.

Often large infrastructure projects are additionally initially funded by
the issuing of bonds. Sometimes individuals and/or businesses are invited
to have an equity stake as well.

Government seeding of infrastructure projects allows them to be brought
forward so they benefit people earlier.

However, ultimately the current funding model is that it is the users that end
up paying for the NBN's construction and running.

Eeeexactly Gary!