Critical.
Authoritative.
Strategic.
Subscribe to CIO Magazine »

Fed Govt says more NBN demand needed to meet supply

The report, tabled by the Standing Committee on Infrastructure and Communications, examined the potential impact of the NBN

The Federal Government has tabled a report into the role and potential of the National Broadband Network (NBN), highlighting the need for initiatives to drive demand for services delivered by the high speed network.

The report, issued by the a House of Representatives committee on infrastructure and communications, examined the potential impact of the NBN on government service delivery, economic and regional development and social and community activity.

According to the committee, the inquiry found that while the network will enable infrastructure for a range of social and economic benefits in a range of industry verticals, in order to maximise the NBN more is required on the “demand” side.

“Related to this, inquiry participants told the Committee that an overarching strategy is needed to outline the government’s goals for how the NBN will be used and how those goals can be delivered through demand side interventions,” the report reads.

The committee also welcomed the National Digital Economy Strategy, which was announced by communications minister, Senator Stephen Conroy, in May, to improve access to health and education services for all Australians.

The committee notes it “goes a long way to addressing concerns raised during the inquiry” on government direction and recommended the continued implementation of the strategy across government with regular reporting on goals reached by departments.

The inquiry also found that despite much focus on the cost of construction and the corporate plan, there is also a need to evaluate the practical impact of the network on the economy and communities.

The committee recommended the government continue to invest in broadband-enabled technologies for its own services both to improve efficiency and promote NBN uptake.

Additionally, the government should provide support for organisations in developing broadband applications and develop targeted programs for those disadvantaged by the digital divide to improve awareness.

Global ICT provider Huawei has backed the report, labelling it “a positive outcome for digital inclusion”.

“The report makes it clear that the debate must move beyond ‘pits and pipes’, and onto what Australia will do with high-speed broadband — building not just a network, but a networked society,” Huawei Australia corporate and public affairs director, Jeremy Mitchell, said in a statement.

“High-speed broadband will re-shape Government services, healthcare, education, infrastructure, the environment, and even communities themselves.”

Follow Chloe Herrick on Twitter: @chloe_CW

Follow Computerworld Australia on Twitter: @ComputerworldAU

Related Articles

  1. Google weaves Larry Page's social strategy into Maps, ...

  2. Copyright owners denied class status in YouTube suit

  3. From CMO to CEO: Anametrix’s Pelin Thorogood

    CMO

Join the CIO Australia group on LinkedIn. The group is open to CIOs, IT Directors, COOs, CTOs and senior IT managers.

More about: etwork, Federal Government, Huawei
References show all
Comments are now closed.
Related Coverage
Related Whitepapers
Latest Stories
Community Comments
Tags: Standing Committee on Infrastructure and Communications, Networking, National Broadband Network (NBN), government, internet, broadband, NBN
Latest Blog Posts
Whitepapers
  • Unleashing the Power of Information
    If business-relevant information is not well managed, secured and analysed, it can become an underutilized asset or—worst case—a legal and competitive liability. Nearly all of the IT and business executives who responded to a recent survey recognise this risk, and say they understand the importance of having an enterprise information management (EIM) strategy. Find out more on how to reduce costs, improve competitiveness and avoid risk by making information management an enterprisewide strategic priority.
    Learn more »
  • Batten Down the Hatches! A Guide to Protecting Data in Motion
    The risks facing high-speed data networks and unencrypted data while in motion are very real and on the rise. As information becomes one of the most valuable ‘off balance sheet’ assets, protection of that information and the investment in it is a paramount obligation of office-holders and management. Read now for a better understanding of the risks to data in motion.
    Learn more »
  • Vodafone Ireland Implements World-Class Service Excellence with HP BSM
    Shane Gaffney, head of IT operations explain how HP Business Service Manager solutions have helped Vodafone to transform from a reactive to a proactive IT Operations function, and to align their priorities to match the business and drive business value, delivering 300% ROI in one year. Download today.
    Learn more »
All whitepapers
rhs_login_lockGet exclusive access to Invitation only events CIO, reports & analysis.
Recent comments