Telstra quick to claim broadband as infrastructure priority

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Friday, 03 October 2008 10:12

IT Industry - Strategy

Telstra and Quilty believe that: “The National Broadband Network is crucial for Australia's future economic productivity and it must be fast-tracked or the nation risks falling behind at a critical economic juncture.

"There is no infrastructure more important to all Australians than the National Broadband Network. It will make businesses across virtually every sector more efficient and productive. It will open up new markets and supply chains for small businesses and help them compete with larger businesses.

“It will foster innovation and help reverse the "brain drain" from our shores. It will reinvigorate regional communities and provide access to world-class education and health services. It will help tackle climate change and facilitate more energy efficient behaviour by businesses and consumers.

"High-speed broadband is the great enabling technology, a fact personally recognised by Mr Rudd in making his strong commitment to the National Broadband Network.

"Unlike other infrastructure projects which are focussed on a particular location or industry sector, the National Broadband Network is a project which will benefit all Australians and will unleash the nation's untapped spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship.

"Mr Rudd's commitment to fast-track Australia's infrastructure building in response to the global financial crisis is a clear demonstration of national leadership. The single most important thing the Government can now do to turn Mr Rudd's commitment into a reality is to fast-track the National Broadband Network.

"It is time to get on with the job of building the National Broadband Network for the benefit of all Australians”, concluded Quilty.

Well... let’s hope the talking stops soon and the decision to build the National Broadband Network is actually decided - and then construction actually starts – before the next Australian Federal Election!!