Today's announcement by the Minister for Broadband is great news: the NBN has finally commenced on the mainland. It is a nice change to see rural and regional areas targeted for the commencement of backbone infrastructure. While the returns may not be as immediate, the longer term is looking much better.
It is becoming increasingly apparent that the social aspects of the digital divide, particularly in education, are a result of the last decade's inaction from the federal government.
That is not to say that the current government's focus on Net censorship hasn't distracted the debate from more important issues like providing all Australians with adequate connectivity. But at least now there are some tangible signs that the wheels of the NBN are actually turning.
More info: Regional Blackspots Program
More info: Regional Blackspots Program