Advisors have been appointed ahead of the Federal Government’s possible attempt to sell the Intra Government Communications Network (ICON).

ICON is a secure communications network specifically for internal government dealings, connecting over 80 agencies with 150,000 kilometres of fibre-optic wires between buildings in Canberra.

The Government has launched a scoping study into ICON’s future management, operations and ownership, signalling the possibility of a sale.

Minister for Finance, Senator Mathias Cormann says KPMG has been appointed as business adviser and King & Wood Mallesons will take on the role of legal adviser, following a procurement and selection process.

“The advisers will provide independent advice to allow the Government to make fully-informed decisions on the optimal method and timing of any sale or change to governance arrangements,” Senator Cormann said.

“The Government will consider the recommendations of the scoping study in the first half of 2015. No decision on the future ownership of Intra Government Communications Network will be made until this time.”