Ambitious broadband plan gives Aussie the edge

TUANZ boss Ernie Newman is impressed at the scale of Australia's broadband roadmap.

A telecommunications group says the Australian broadband plan is bold and gives the country a slight edge over New Zealand.

Telecommunications Users Association (TUANZ) chief executive Ernie Newman said he was surprised at the scale of the Australian plan.

"Until today's announcement I'd have said we were arguably better placed for the future but that's a very bold announcement they've made over there."

The Government here last week announced plans to invest $1.5 billion in fibre-optic telecommunications networks in partnership with telcos and infrastructure companies.

The networks will cover 25 regions and 75 per cent of the population. Stage one, targeting schools, hospitals, businesses and some householders, is to be completed within six years, the remaining households in 10 years. A further $48 million had been set aside for rural broadband.

Newman said there was better co-operation in this country between the Government and the private sector, who would share in building the network.

However, Australia's size - about 28 times as big – and remoteness of communities made it difficult to compare the plans.

While there would be job opportunities in Australia, Newman said he hoped IT workers would stay here as they would be badly needed.

Australia

Spend per person: $2500

Land area: 7,617,930sq km

New Zealand

Spend per person: $348

Land area: 268,021sq km