As is well documented , under pressure from then-Prime Minister Tony Abbott , his Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull took flawed advice from a bunch of his so-called mates and abandoned the original NBN model using state-of-the-art optical fibre. Their argument, now clearly discredited, was we could build the NBN quicker and cheaper with existing phone lines and pay-television cables — the "multi-technology mix" model.
Australia dropped to spot 62 in the global speed ranking for fixed internet broadband, behind a host of developed and developing nations. Claiming that a rise in "video piracy" was affecting their revenue streams — something that was never substantiated — the international content distributors convinced our Government to introduce internet site-blocking laws a few years back.
While the evidence of these restrictions working is flimsy , it points to the power of lobbying. Certain industry players donated large sums of money as they quietly worked away behind the scenes securing cross-party support for a system that was widely opposed by the tech sector as ineffective. So, why has our film and television industry failed to take up the fight for a 21st Century NBN — one capable of handling 4K, 8K and beyond?
Ironically, with a new CEO and a re-jigged business model more reliant on internet delivery, Foxtel will be one of the biggest losers unless something is done. Ironic, because its owner, News Corp, was one of the last media outlets to regularly report on the problems plaguing the NBN.
For quite some time, The Australian appeared to be actively opposed to the NBN, even attacking Internet Australia — the NFP peak body representing Internet users — which was demanding better broadband. Let that sink in. During my stint at the helm of Internet Australia , and since, my constant call has been for a bipartisan approach to fixing the NBN. A growing chorus of voices from within the telco and IT sectors has ensured that politicians are well aware of the need for action.
Labor has committed to looking for solutions. However, we really need to make this a non-political issue. So why is the film and television sector not demanding something be done? It is hard to see how the government can fix its NBN predicament, but now is the time for it to grapple with big tech based on a position of expertise rather than politics.
Skip to navigation Skip to content Skip to footer Help using this website - Accessibility statement. Technology NBN Print article. Updated Jul 9, — 8. Save Log in or Subscribe to save article. Dominic Lorrimer Treasurer Josh Frydenberg is now in possession of the competition regulator's highly anticipated report into the power of digital platforms like Google and Facebook, and is going to have to make very sure that he frames his responses correctly.
Paul Smith edits the technology section and has been a leading writer on the sector for almost 20 years. He covers big tech, how businesses are using technology, fast growing start-ups, telecommunications and national innovation policy.
Connect with Paul on Twitter. Email Paul at psmith afr. License article. Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you. Find out more. Jun 1, — 5. Save Log in or Subscribe to save article. Paul Smith edits the technology section and has been a leading writer on the sector for almost 20 years. He covers big tech, how businesses are using technology, fast growing start-ups, telecommunications and national innovation policy.
Connect with Paul on Twitter. Email Paul at psmith afr. Connect with Natasha on Twitter. Email Natasha at natasha. License article. Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you. Find out more.
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