Why high-speed broadband for Australia

The world is changing because of broadband internet. And Australia must do whatever it takes to keep up.

Speed comparisons, other countries

How does Australia stack up broadband speed wise, compared to the maximum speeds available in some other countries? Not well, as the chart below shows.

We are below many other developed countries in terms of the download speeds available. And with high-speed fibre based broadband networks being rolled out in several countries, including the US, France, Iceland, Italy and Germany, in the next few years, we will drop even further behind.

Click thumbnail image to view the full-size chart.

Australia lagging in broadband penetration

Australia is only 12th!

• 12th of 30 developed countries in broadband penetration
• 25th in the world in available internet bandwidth
• 15th in the world in networked readiness

Click thumbnail image below to view the full-size chart.
*Sources: OECD, WEF.

Government is stifling broadband investment

If government and regulators don't allow the next wave of internet investment, Australia will be left behind... as our global competitors work even smarter and faster.

Instead of subsidising foreign telcos at Telstra's expense, government and regulators should give Telstra a fair go so it can invest in the broadband infrastructure needed to provide high-level services.

The benefits of high-speed broadband

• Economy – an independent report to government has estimated high-speed broadband will bring economic benefits of $12b to $30b* per year.
• Small business – lower costs, fast 24 hour access to customers and suppliers worldwide.
• Regional – eliminates the tyranny of distance, putting the bush on an equal footing.
• E-learning – interactive remote education, online testing, sophisticated learning tools.
• Telehealth – remote diagnosis and treatment.
• Environment - telecommunications networks can help reduce Australia's greenhouse gas emissions by almost five per cent by 2015 and deliver up to $6.6 billion a year in financial savings for Australia.

Learn more:

• Towards a High-Bandwidth, Low-Carbon Future: Telecommunications-based Opportunities to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

*Source: The Broadband Advisory Group's Report to Government, 2003.

What's the solution?

We must put pressure on government and regulators to create a level playing field for all.

We must ALL tell them to get rid of the regulations that only apply to Telstra and stifle investment in broadband infrastructure.

Add your voice to the Broadband Australia Campaign

Australia's competitiveness depends on Telstra’s shareholders, staff, customers and everyone who supports faster broadband having their say.

Send a clear message to government and regulators that backward looking regulation should not get in the way of high-speed broadband and a stronger economy.

GET ACTIVE!

• Join the Telstra Active Supporters group
• Ring talkback radio
• Write a Letter to the Editor
• Talk to family, friends and colleagues about broadband issues
• Set up a local supporters group
• Organise a community meeting
• Involve influential community members
• Have your say in the broadband Austalia discussion forum
• Find out how you can GET ACTIVE... on broadband

Authorised by L McGregor, Telstra Corporation Limited, 242 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000