Australian Greens Digital RIghts spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John has today announced the Australian Greens commitment to a 21st Century NBN, finished using best-choice technology, to ensure everyone has access to affordable, reliable and high quality internet services into the future.
Senator Steele-John said our internet was slower and less affordable than comparable countries, with Australia ranked 56th in the world for internet speed and 57th in world for affordability.
“The reality is that Australia is lagging behind the rest of the world when it comes to having access to reliable, affordable and high quality internet services,” he said.
“The Coalition’s Multi-technology mix has been a disaster that has left many people without reliable or affordable services, particularly in rural and regional areas.
“This is not what was promised, nor what Australia needs to ensure that our companies are able to remain globally competitive into the digital future.
“Our commitment is to keep the NBN infrastructure publicly owned and ensure that the rollout of the NBN is finished using best choice technology, not the multi-techology mongrel that the Coalition will leave us with.
“Our promise is to make quality telecommunications affordable for all Australians and ensure regional telecommunications are funded, fair and fit for purpose.
“Affordable, quality telecommunications are fundamental to the future of Australia’s economy, jobs, education, essential services and way of life.”
Key points – 21st Century NBN:
- $1.3 billion to establish Federal Telecommunications Concession
- $250 million NBN migration program to close the digital divide
- Keep NBN infrastructure publicly owned
- Finish the NBN using best-choice technology
- Make quality telecommunications affordable for all Australians
- Ensure regional telecommunications are funded, fair and fit for purpose
Details of the policy can be found here: https://greens.org.au/platform/public-ownership#telecomm