Remote communities should get fibre based broadband

With the National Broadband Network in the process of being rolled out arguments have arisen with regards to remote communities being connected to the Network by fibre optics or microwave.

The National Broadband Network in Australia is in the process of being rolled out, and whilst the current government has repeatedly highlighted the benefits of this network there has still been controversy over how much value for money it represents and how valuable it will be to certain groups or areas. The opposition has spoken out regularly about how costly the NBN is.

Concern has also expressed about the way in which the NBN will affect the digital divide. The government has said that once rolled out the NBN will offer greater speeds, increased reliability, and better quality broadband for both homes and businesses in Australia. However, others have said that it will simply widen the already huge digital divide between areas where broadband is more easily accessible and remote communities where it is more difficult to access this technology.

According to recent reports the Indigenous Remote Communications Association has now become involved in the debate with regards to the National Broadband Network and remote communities. The association is calling on the government to ensure that remote communities are connected to the Network by fibre optics or microwave rather than through satellite or wireless, which is what is being proposed at present. The group said that this would simply increase the digital divide.

Do you agree with the Indigenous Remote Communications Association that remote communities should be linked up via fibre optics or microwave?

Source – Nit