Aus. Computer Society wants USO to include broadband & mobiles

Stuart Corner
Monday, 19 November 2007 05:35

IT Policy - Regulation

A DCITA spokesman told iTWire that "we are still waiting on submissions from a number of significant players, or we have only received them in draft form. We didn't want to put any up until we have them all because they see what other people are proposing and that influences their submissions." He was unable to give any indication of when the enquiry would be completed saying it would be a matter for the incoming government.

This could result in the whole issue being revisited, but according to Coutts, time for decisions is short. "We urgently need the Government to allocate appropriate spectrum for wireless broadband since this is an essential element of any plan to deliver broadband services to the bush. Unfortunately, the debate over Telstra's privatisation delayed any meaningful action on broadband for several years and this issue must be addressed in the next 6-12 months if we are to maintain our global competitiveness."

Coutts pointed to the proliferation of Internet applications being created for mobile phones, and the innovative way mobile technology is being applied in nations like Bangladesh, where Grameenphone is using mobile phones to provide remote communities with reliable communications services as examples from which to learn.
 
"Mobile phones in comparison to fixed lines are more appropriate for those living in remote communities in the Northern Territory. This is because of unreliable service and the social pressure to make fixed lines available to other members of the community. In these communities, mobile phones make more sense because they are more personal and access can be prepaid," he said.
 
"In indigenous communities where mobile access is available, local leaders tell us that the take-up has been huge...For example, in Arnhem Land, Aboriginal people are prodigious users of mobile phones for voice, downloading video clips and for online banking. Since home Internet access is virtually non-existent in indigenous households due to the cost and limited number of landlines, mobiles increasingly will offer a viable alternative."