Delegation to meet with Gillard
21-Jan-2009 On the 2nd of February 2009 a delegation of experts from varying fields are set to meet with Minister Julia Gillard to discuss the development of a National Broadband Network (NBN), that will provide super fast public internet access.The Digital Economy Work Group has representatives from the media, telecommunication, health and education sectors; including Prof. Phillip Long of the University of Queensland and Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Victor MInichiello of the University of New England as well as numerous other subject matter experts and industry figureheads.
As a key element of its plan for the future, the Australian Government has committed to provide up to $4.7 billion and to consider necessary regulatory changes to facilitate the roll-out of a new open access, high-speed, fibre-based broadband network, providing downlink speeds of at least 12 megabits per second to 98 per cent of Australian homes and businesses.
The network will represent the single largest investment in broadband infrastructure in Australia's history.
The delegation sees this as an ideal and necessary opportunity to improve the quality of education and health sectors nationally through access to utilities and programs, as well as bridging the gap between rural and city Australia. Allowing those in regional areas to remain in their community without being disadvantaged by a lack of access to what are fast becoming essential services.
The purpose of the Digital Economy Work Group is not to lobby for a particular outcome on the NBN in terms of who wins the bid, but to ensure that the network is as robust as possible in order to deliver the full benefits of broadband.
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