7 December 2006

Minister releases Broadband Blueprint for Australia

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, today released a Broadband Blueprint to provide a national framework for the future of broadband in Australia.

“It is essential for all levels of government and industry to adopt a strategic and coordinated approach to the rollout of scalable broadband infrastructure,” Senator Coonan said.

“With a number of commercial rollouts underway and several more proposed, and the Australian Government poised to make its largest ever investment in broadband infrastructure, it is timely that Australia adopts a clearly defined national approach to broadband.”

The Broadband Blueprint builds on the work of the National Broadband Strategy Implementation Group and was developed in consultation with State, Territory and Local Governments through the Online and Communications Council.

The Minister also appointed an Industry Advisory Group to broaden the base of advice to the Government during the formation of the Blueprint.

“The Australian Government recognises that broadband is a key contributor to Australia’s future economic and social prosperity. The delivery of broadband is no longer optional. Rather, access to broadband infrastructure is critical for both the public and private sector to compete in a modern global economy.

“The private sector will continue to be the major driver of broadband investment. However, all levels of government must take responsibility for providing leadership and facilitating the delivery of broadband.

 “This Blueprint recognises that Australia’s future broadband infrastructure will need to be fit-for-purpose and scalable to meet the needs and requirements of a wide range of different users.”

“For the Australian Government’s part, the $1.1 billion Connect Australia package and the $2 billion Communications Fund will be used to invest in next generation broadband infrastructure, improve mobile phone coverage and rollout high speed backbones to support the health, research and education sectors.

“Through the Broadband Blueprint, the Australian Government has invited all tiers of government to participate in the development of an implementation plan for investment in next generation broadband infrastructure, under the auspices of the Online and Communications Council,” Senator Coonan said.

“By working together we can ensure that Australia becomes a world leader in the effective use of broadband.”

Electronic copies of the Broadband Blueprint are available at www.dcita.gov.au and printed copies will be available shortly.