The Federal Government has released the 2011-12 Regional Telecommunications review Committee report, concluding that the National Broadband Network (NBN) is crucial for the development of regional telecommunications.

 

Established in 2006, the Committee publishes regular reports into the state of telecommunications services in regional, rural and remote Australia.

 

The review found that:

  • There is a "genuine desire across regional Australia" for the fast, affordable and reliable broadband services that the Government's National Broadband Network (NBN) provides.
  • The NBN will be a critical platform for the future growth and prosperity of rural and regional Australian communities.
  • The government's commitment to uniform wholesale prices for the NBN is "essential" and its importance "cannot be overstated."
  • There is growing recognition in regional Australia that better broadband will support regional economic development, improving health and education outcomes as well as helping small businesses.

“From isolated and remote cattle stations to major regional centres, there is a genuine desire across regional Australia for access to faster, more affordable and more reliable broadband services,” the report found.

 

“The NBN is regarded as an opportunity to bridge the existing digital divide in regional Australia and allow individuals, businesses and communities to more fully participate in the digital economy."

 

The full report can be found here