Stan Beer
Tuesday, 18 August 2009 14:14
Business IT -
Networking
Page 2 of 3
In terms of broadband content delivery to Australian internet users,
Australia should focus on building intercontinental bandwidth rather
than the NBN, according to Barney.
"I would argue that you should have a government built cable that goes
between Australia and the United States. You might be better served in
terms of content delivery if you did that versus building a broadband
network to the rural areas. That would be a better $500 million spend," said Barney.
"If the government just built a non-profit cable that would essentially
take down the cost structure of the cables by 90%. That would give you
affordable access to US content which makes up 50-60% of your broadband
cost per consumer.
"And you could uncap access in the urban areas so essentially you could
run a complete video capability to the United States. You could watch
sport anywhere in the world. It would change life for the consumer in a
dramatic way."
So why isn't the Australian Government doing it?
"Because I don't think they've even thought about it," said Barney.
"The New Zealand Government is thinking about it but I don't think the
Australian Government has even broken down what are the components of
broadband and where is the cost that you're actually paying.
"And who will actually pay more for what so if you wanted to subsidise
something where would you get your biggest bang for your tax payer
buck."
CONTINUED Page 3
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