Broadband
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ACCI Stands For:
Business Access to
21st Century Technology
That is efficient, affordable
& gives industry a competitive edge
Policy Framework:
- ACCI considers industry access to reliable, high speed and internationally competitive
broadband services to be critical for the economic development of Australia
- Urges the Australian Government to collaborate with business to, as a matter of urgency,
map a way forward using evidence based analysis benchmarked against comparable
international economies which will result in a timetable of action to progress this issue
- Considers failure by Government to effectively implement a solution which provides fast,
competitive and cost effective solutions for metropolitan and regional businesses, will
impede business development and continue to isolate regional towns throughout Australia
Policy Recommendations:
- The Government to assist in gathering necessary additional information on Australia's
relative standing on broadband services with other industrialized nations by undertaking
analysis of the importance of increased access and speed of broadband to households,
the business community and the wider economy
- Seeking better information and conducting a cost benefit analysis should not be used to
delay the introduction of broadband but should be used to inform decisions on the
requirements of business has of a broadband network
- The provision and use of broadband services is generally a private good and therefore
it is most appropriately and more efficiently provided by the private sector
- Competition at all levels must be encouraged in order to deliver an affordable regime
for Australian business. Requests for 'regulatory holidays' and the imposition of statutory
monopolies must be very carefully weighed against the costs
- The determination of access prices is of critical importance. This process should recognise
real costs rather than theoretical costs as investment will only occur when returns are
commensurate with risk are achievable
- The Government review of universal service obligation should be broadened to include
other mechanisms to raise funds
- A competitive environment should exist to encourage the delivery of broadband through
all available practical technologies including fibre, wireless and satellite