There’s both good and bad news when it comes to the NBN, but over twenty years since launch its future is still a hotly debated topic around the country.
There’s definitely a lot of good NBN news these days. A new study commissioned by NBN Co found faster broadband is set to deliver a $400B boost to Australia’s economy by 2030 as it continues to boost our productivity, and spur the creation of 113,000 jobs and 55,000 new businesses.
The study found other positive impacts too. Productivity in country areas has benefited from faster broadband at a rate 16-times greater than the cities, it’s had a strong impact on female employment, and the average NBN user also saves $2580 a year by avoiding costs like travel.
But it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. Competition is taking a toll with thousands shifting to other options especially in the country where Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet system continues to grab market share.
Pricing has also been a problem. The NBN recently cut prices for the highest & lowest speed plans, but raised them for the 50-megabit plan used by nearly half the country, unleashing a spate of political and consumer criticism over costs and speeds.
The NBN is undoubtedly improving. NBN Co is rolling out 80,000 kilometres of new fibre and by the end of last year 75% of premises in the fixed-line network had the opportunity to access fibre directly to their homes and businesses. They’re also boosting the speeds of its fixed wireless product.
Is it perfect? Of course not, but after two decades of political football and an imperfect roll out there is, as the most recent study suggests, signs of a better future. We obviously need great broadband for everyone, and getting the NBN right is crucial, but in the messy debate about its future we need to remember its potential to make us a highly productive country.
Cheers, John Fennell
