The Tasmanian Government owns an on-island optic fibre backbone, which together with the Basslink optic fibre cable owned by National Grid Australia, forms the Connect Tasmania Core. The Government is seeking to enter into a strategic alliance with the private sector to maximise the telecommunications opportunities provided by the Connect Tasmania Core. Selection of the successful respondent will be made following an open competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process. Interested parties/consortia are invited to put forward innovative approaches and proposals that would maximise the use of the Connect Tasmania Core for the benefit of Tasmanian businesses and the community generally. The closing date for submissions of Proposals is 5:00 PM AEST, 22 September 2006.