Media Statement - 20th October 2007
Federal Labor today accused the Federal Government of letting Australia slip into the “electronic stone age” with its failure to build a high-speed broadband fibre network.
An American study has revealed that Australia has become the “Third World” of broadband developed nations, ranking 26th out of 30 countries for its transfer speeds.
In fact, Turkey had a faster broadband speed than Australia.
John Howard has let Australia slip into the digital Dark Age.
The study by the Washington-based independent think tank, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation’s broadband rankings show:
- Australia pays nine times more for broadband than most other western nations;
- Australia broadband is 35 times slower; and
- Australia lags behind 26 other countries including Korea, Finland and Slovak Republic.
Australia needs an education revolution and a world-class broadband network is critical element of that plan.
Federal Labor has pledged to deliver a world-class broadband service.
Last week, Federal Labor today released maps showing the Howard Government’s $958 million broadband scheme has so many black spots; it looks like Swiss cheese – with up to 50 per cent less coverage outside the five capital cities.
A Rudd Labor Government would use the $2 billion Communications Fund to build – in partnership with the private sector - an $8 billion national broadband network that will deliver improved broadband access for 100 per cent of Australian homes and small businesses.
Using the Communications Fund to build a network that will provide broadband access to all Australians is in keeping with the purpose of the establishment of the fund.
We are proud of the fact that we are investing in national infrastructure that will benefit all Australians regardless of where they live.