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Chapter 10 - Conclusion
Although still in the early stages of development, broadband technologies represent the next wave of communications tools that will help drive productivity growth and improve the way Australians interact and receive key services.
It is therefore essential that Australia acts to maintain its current high standing in the global information economy as it moves us into an interconnected broadband environment.
Recent signs are very encouraging. Broadband take-up has increased dramatically in the last 12 months in both residential and business sectors. More commercial players are entering the broadband market and offering a variety of products utilising a range of innovative technologies.
Commonwealth, state, territory and local governments are increasingly active in this area and are committing significant funds to improve broadband take-up in key sectors such as health and education, as well as in rural and regional areas.
Notwithstanding Australia's steady progress, there remain challenges to be tackled if Australia is to derive the full economic and social benefits from the rapid adoption of broadband technologies.
The principal challenges are geographic considerations, technological limitations and availability, perceptions about price and the value proposition of broadband and the need for a national strategic approach to broadband rollout.
An important step in tackling these challenges is the adoption of a National Broadband Strategy with a defined vision and goals. Such a strategy is essential if Australia is to become a world leader in the effective use of broadband technologies.
This Strategy needs to be supported by ongoing monitoring and better co-ordination of current and future initiatives across all levels of government and the private sector.
The Commonwealth Government's catalytic role with respect to national broadband adoption would be best served by focussing on areas of key public sector interest.
Specifically, recommendations have been developed to improve outcomes in the areas of education, health, national security, and research. Moreover, there is a public interest basis for a government role in promoting effective use of broadband within the SME sector and the digital content industries.
The Government should promote investment in those areas of Australia that are likely to remain underserved purely by the private sector. As identified in the Estens Inquiry, rural and regional areas are a priority. The development of demand aggregation strategies should be used to assist in this process.
Progress in these key areas will be enhanced through the Government's continued commitment to maintaining a regulatory regime that promotes competition, is technologically neutral, and is flexible enough to respond to emerging challenges and new technologies.
The Commonwealth Government, working in partnership with the state, territory and local Governments and the private sector, should commit to achieving the national goal of making Australia a world leader in the effective use of broadband technology. The achievement of this goal will ensure that Australia remains at the forefront of the global economy and that all Australians will thrive in a more connected community.