Rudd replies: Six Point Broadband Plan for Australia - tell your politician now
The Australian Labor Party reply to the proposed six point plan for Australia. Read the policy ideas and proposals here.
—–Original Message—–
From: Kevin Rudd - ALP Campaign Information [mailto:Info@syd.alp.org.au]
Sent: Wednesday, 24 October 2007 11:56 AM
To: Matthew [email removed]
Subject: FW: Six Point Broadband Plan for Australia - tell your politician now
Dear Matthew,
Thank you for your email to me regarding broadband services in Australia.
Labor is very concerned about the poor access to broadband faced by many Australians in suburban and regional Australia.
In the 21st century, Australia needs universal, equitable and affordable broadband access.
That’s why Australia needs Labor’s National Broadband Network.
Labor will invest up to $4.7 billion to establish the National Broadband Network in partnership with the private sector. The National Broadband Network will connect 98 per cent of Australians to high speed broadband internet services - at a speed more than 40 times faster than most current speeds. The remaining two per cent of Australians in regional and remote areas not covered by this network will have improved broadband services.
New services and benefits of the National Broadband Network - particularly in rural and regional areas - include:
* Slashed telephone bills for small business;
* Enhanced business services such as teleconferencing, video
conferencing and virtual private networks;
* Enhanced capacity for services like e-education and e-health;
and
* High definition, multi-channel and inter-active TV services.
Labor also shares your concern about the cost of broadband services in Australia.
That is why Labor recently announced that a Rudd Labor government would hold an inquiry into the cost of broadband pricing.
While Labor’s National Broadband Network will ensure all Australians have access to improved internet services, Labor recognises that ensuring that the infrastructure is in place to deliver broadband is only the first hurdle.
Labor understands that while people living in countries that we consider our international peers have unlimited downloads, Australians are subjected to prohibitively high broadband costs along with download limits and shaping of connection speeds. These restrict Australian users and detract from the benefits of broadband.
The OECD Communications Outlook recently reported that the maximum price for broadband in Australia is the fourth highest out of the 30 countries surveyed and that Australia has the most expensive telecommunication services for small and medium-sized enterprises in the OECD, next to the Czech Republic and Poland.
Labor believes that all Australians should have access to the best available telecommunications infrastructure and the most affordable broadband in the world. To this end, a Rudd Labor government will hold an inquiry into the cost of internet access with the aim of investigating the underlying causes of broadband pricing.
Labor recognises that the benefits of broadband will only be realised once all Australians do not need to worry about the high costs of broadband we endure today.
We thank you also for sending the ALP your 6 point broadband plan. We have passed this on to Senator Conroy, Shadow Minister for Communications and IT for his consideration.
Kind regards,
Kevin Rudd MP
Disclaimer
This information is intended for the recipient only.
Every effort has been made to respond to your query in full. Please monitor the Australian Labor Party website (www.alp.org.au) for further information