AIIA slams Victoria's opt-in NBN
- 08 December, 2010 15:05
- Comments 4
Australia’s peak technology industry representative group has criticised Victoria’s new Coalition Government for its apparent decision to reject an ‘opt-out’ approach to rolling out the National Broadband Network (NBN) in the state in favour of requiring residents and businesses to ‘opt-in’.
The new State Government has not made an official statement of its position on the matter, but new Victorian Premier, Ted Baillieu, sparked controversy this week when he told The Australian the NBN rollout “ought to be optional”.
The Tasmanian Labor Government has pursued the opposite approach in its own rollout.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) — which represents hundreds of technology companies operating in the local market, including global giants such as IBM and Microsoft, said it had “reservations” about Baillieu’s approach.
“We would welcome the opportunity to discuss these issues with the Victorian Government,” AIIA chief executive, Ian Birks, said.
“An opt-in approach to NBN take-up will almost certainly delay the broader community, and ultimately the national benefits that can be delivered by ubiquitous take up of high speed broadband,” he said.
“Arguably, those who are least informed and most disconnected will be disadvantaged the most – and everyone will be subject to unnecessary administrative red tape, which is itself a disincentive to take-up.”
Birks alleged the value of high levels of broadband usage was “well-documented around the globe” and said with Australia already playing “catch-up” with its Asian neighbours, now was not the time to introduce additional barriers to community engagement with the digital economy.
“A key value of ubiquitous broadband is critical mass – having whole communities connected and using the infrastructure. This in turn, drives momentum, innovation and demand for smart applications that will benefit both communities and the economy, ” Birks said.
“The productivity benefits of a digital economy depend on more than providing optional access to pipes and cables. We have to turn our attention to stimulating use and the development of new applications.”
“It is incumbent on government and business alike to ensure every Australian is given the confidence and skills to participate in our digital economy. The risk of falling behind is too important to ignore.”
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Comments
Tom Brown
1
Now we have lobby groups trying to influence the NBN.
The NBN did not ask for an opt out model.
Would any of the companies they represent like being dictated to by a government influenced by a lobby group?
Jack
2
I hope NSW government goes for the Opt-in model.
In terms of communication, anything other than military infrastructure should be built by the private sector.
Use my taxes to support our struggling scientist instead; Australia has so many great minds, yet they have so little funding.
As an alternative, why not offer a dollar for dollar scheme with big business to cover the cost of the NBN, I'm certain that if it is beneficial to corporations they'll be willing to invest in it.
Hugo
3
I am all for opt in I DONT want FTTH
Don't need it don't use it don't want to pay for everyone else Next we will be subsidising nicotine patches . Can I get government funding for my car addiction?
Emmisfor
4
Roads are not opt-out, nor street water piping, electricity, sewerage, footpaths etc.
When they are rolled out as infrastructure then all residences are connected because it is a naive idea and would generate very high costs to consider that it would be better to connect them individually later...
Too much politics around the NBN.
Connect it to all premises as it is the far better infrastructure model and the individuals can decide whether to use it today, tomorrow, not at all or leave to those who move in to use.
Those complaining about it being connected to their premises have 99% agendas and 1% valid reasons...
You will have to pay and subsidise anyway, just as you do when a road is paved up your street and you have no car...
BTW: Subsidising nicotine patches actually reduces your national smoking costs... Reduction in smoking levels reduces the health industry related costs far far more than treatments do. Thus your $$$$costs and mine are lower when we assist addicted smokers to stop.
You may want to think just a bit further than your apparent dislike of the people behind the NBN...