The Greens say the Federal Government must only award the tender for its broadband plan to a company that guarantees coverage in the regions, following the announcement of Telstra's exclusion this morning.

"In opposition Labor promised to provide broadband coverage to 98% of Australia - yet we've had a situation where Telstra was expressing interest in the network but talking about leaving more than ten per cent of the population out in the cold. "

“This weekend we will see an expression around the country of the deep concern about the Government’s plans for internet censorship. I am pleased to be joining the Perth event, to ask the questions: why is the Government pushing internet filtering, and who will watch the watchers?” said Greens spokesperson for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Senator Scott Ludlam.

Protests against the proposed internet filter are set to take place in all capital cities across Australia this Saturday.