Independent senator Nick Xenophon will back government legislation that paves the way for Telstra's participation in the national broadband network (NBN).

His support came as the government gave ground and released a full summary of the NBN business plan, ending days of political stand-off.

"Yes I will," Senator Xenophon told reporters in Canberra today when asked if he would now support a government bill before the Senate.

The bill aims to separate Telstra's wholesale and retail arms and establish a framework for the giant telco's participation in the NBN.

Senator Xenophon said he had come close to rejecting the bill but changed his mind following the intervention of Prime Minister Julia Gillard.