CTN Policy Brief on Broadband The Government is currently tendering for the construction and operation of an open-access, fibre optic National Broadband Network (NBN) covering 98% of the population at speeds of at least 12 megabits per second. The winning tender will receive $4.7 billion toward the project. CTN has made several policy submissions regarding the NBN and produced the Accessible Broadband for All Australians report (see below). This is a brief summary of our key recommendations: 1. Expand the Universal Service Obligation (USO) to include broadband Internet.
a. The USO provides standard telephone services, payphones and prescribed carriage services (not necessarily internet) to all people in Australia on an equitable basis, wherever they reside or carry on business.
b. It benefits people in rural and regional Australia and people with disabilities to whom telecommunications services would not usually be available.
2. Legislate and maintain funding for the Australian Broadband Guarantee (ABG).
a. ABG provides financial assistance to get broadband installed to premises where such services would not otherwise be available.
b. ABG funding is being rescinded as the NBN is rolled out over 5 years.
3. Establish a communications allowance or rebate for recipients of government benefits to access broadband.
a. This would allow low income consumers to access essential online services.
4. Establish an independently run disability telecommunications equipment program. a. Some people with disabilities require special equipment, software and services to access broadband Internet.
5. The NBN must deliver the best outcome for consumers in terms of price, speed and download quotas.
a. Many CTN members have voiced concern over broadband affordability.
b. This can best be achieved by the ACCC playing a central role in price controls.
Accessible Broadband for All Australians Within a relatively short period of time, broadband services have ceased to be a luxury and are now a necessity for most Australians. However, the availability of high quality services is geographically limited, the usage restrictions on services can be very confusing, the availability of equipment meeting the needs of people with disabilities is low, and current affordability measures are lacking. Disadvantaged Australians who have much to gain from access to broadband are missing out and will continue to do so without a policy commitment from governments to ensure equitable access to broadband. This paper discusses the importance of having a strategic plan to ensure broadband can be, and is, accessible for all australians. It identifies the benchmark areas that must be addressed, namely: universal availability; technology quality of service; regulatory arrangements; affordability; service offerings; equipment; support programs and training; and content accessibility. Importantly, it outlines the practical individual policy steps that government can take in order to achieve the outcome of accessible broadband for all. The paper was launched by Graeme Innes, the Human Rights Commissioner at CTN's 2008 Annual Conference - Healthy Communities through Better Communications - on the 30th April 2008. For more information on the conference check out the press release or go to our conference page. Accessible Broadband for All Australians is a joint project prepared by Media Access Australia, Australian Communication Exchange and the Consumers' Telecommunications Network. Please feel free to read and distribute the paper. You can contact CTN at our office for copies or download it below. Go to: Accessible Broadband for All Australians (.pdf, 207kb)
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