'Open broadband infra essential to the digital economy'

DUBLIN, IRELAND:Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Australia - The National Broadband Network" report to their offering.

This annual report offers a wealth of information on the trends and developments taking place in the e-government, e-health and e-education sectors. The report provides analyses of the issues surrounding the growth of such services and includes global and regional information. Comprehensive information on the exciting developments taking place on a regional level is also included. Subjects covered include:

•The importance of broadband infrastructure;

•Key issues and strategies needed for countries to develop their digital economies;

•E-government market overview, analyses and statistics;

•E-health market overview, analyses and statistics;

•E-education market overview, analyses and statistics.

The decision to launch a $43 billion national FttH broadband network is a clear indication of the Australian government's belief that an open broadband infrastructure is essential to the digital economy, that it will fulfil a national purpose as its trans-sector multiplier effect delivers massive social and economic benefits in healthcare, education, energy and the environment, and that it can only be built by a utility (NBN Co). While questions certainly arise around the business model and investment strategies, widespread support exists for the visionary plan. During 2010 the business model needs to be developed, taking into account the socio-economic benefits the infrastructure can deliver to the country.

Economic and trans-sector innovations are now key items on the political agenda in other countries around the world but, thanks to government leadership, Australia was the first to get the vision right in terms of a national purpose. After the vision comes the actual design and rollout of the national broadband network. There is no silver bullet for this and each situation generates its own unique alternative, which in turn informs others involved in similar national projects. Social and economic strategies need to be formulated and taken into account in the design and architecture of the infrastructure.

Pragmatic solutions should be developed to maximise the use of existing infrastructure and other resources. Un(der)served areas need to receive priority and local communities and councils can play a key role in this. Wireless broadband can play a major role as well. These early projects could also be an ideal testing ground for trans-sector applications. This is where NBN Co comes in. This open wholesale-only company will make the critical architectural and design decisions that will form the basis of this new infrastructure for at least the next 25 years. The network must facilitate the vision laid down by the government, which includes multiple use of the network by other sectors such as healthcare, education, energy, etc.

At the same time the company must ensure that it remains an infrastructure company and doesn't become another telco. The NBN is going to change the nature of competition. The government has published a far-reaching regulatory regime change that leaves no room for doubt that there is no way back to the old days, when the incumbent was able to game the regime by creating endless delays and stifling competition. There will be a transitional period. During this time some of the old activities will continue but they will increasingly shift to the new environment. This will see the players realigning their operations and many will change their business plans well before that time in preparation for the new regime.

Key Highlights:

•The NBN is going to change the nature of competition;

•Telstra's acceptance of the NBN and its reaction;

•Smart Grids, the electricity industry and NBN integration;

•Trans-sector opportunities to revolutionise e-education;

•ICT spending in healthcare must increase to keep pace as the population ages.

Data in this report is the latest available at the time of preparation and may not be for the current year.