The Importance of Connection
Being able to connected to the Internet opens up a new world of possibilities. Being connected by Broadband is even better - affordable, high-speed Internet access drives productivity and economic growth. It allows us to do even more in a Digital World. It is part of the needed infrastructure for a 21st century economy.
Fast Broadband will enable us to make the most of the Content we develop and provide more opportunities for us to develop the Confidence we need to make the most of the opportunities ICT offers. For New Zealand, Broadband can offer even greater opportunities for us to get closer to many of our trading partners.
æ Why does Broadband matter?
æ What Broadband Means In Practice
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Having affordable and reliable broadband enables us to do a whole new range of things - including taking advantage of technologies like video conferencing to learn. |
“Connection” is about having affordable access to ICT infrastructure such as telecommunications networks, computers, mobile phones and other devices. The other key element is understanding the benefits of connection.
Goal: New Zealand will be in the top half of the OECD for broadband uptake by 2010.
Developments in digital technology are bringing the worlds of broadcasting and communications closer together and have opened up exciting new ways to deliver content, such as digital TV and Internet Protocol TV (Internet TV). Opportunities also arise from the convergence of telecommunications and IT. Businesses are taking advantage of new solutions to old problems that have only become possible because of recent advanaces - check out www.istart.co.nz for a snapshot of some of the new applications out there that are driven by better connection.
Achieving fast broadband will require the us to monitor and benchmark performance, promote partnerships where appropriate, and hold industry to account where necessary.
To be connected we also need access to appropriate devices to access the Internet and to use some of the new communications technologies in the market. While many of these devices are becoming more accessible, Government in partnership with industry and community groups is actively involved in helping all New Zealanders ensure they have the opportunity to access these devices. Programs such as Computers in Homes and Local Government and Library funding of Internet terminals at local libraries are great examples of pushing New Zealand towards are Connection goal.
Action
The Government is currently developing a range of inter-related initiatives that are contributing to the Connection goal of the Digital Strategy. Government is only one player in this area - businesses, community groups and all New Zealanders have a role in developing our digital connection - either as users, partners, or operators.
Already, some important steps have been taken to deliver our goals for the Connection section. Through competition, Government and private investment, nearly 100% of New Zealanders can now access some form of Broadband service (including satelitte broadband) if they want it. New Zealand is now focussed on delivering appropriate broadband services that are fast, affordable, competitive and reliable.
To find out more about some of the intiaitives that the Government is working on visit the
æ Connection Actions section
You can access the Connection section of the Digital Strategy Version 1 here
æ Connection Section
Hot Topics
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The National Broadband Map for New Zealand
This changing telecommunications environment in New Zealand has brought significant opportunities. However, outside the heart of New Zealand’s largest urban centres, the demand for broadband services has outstripped the supply of world-class services. A number of regional communities have devised local strategies to help achieve both better telecommunications outcomes and broader community goals. For other regional communities, how best to manage their telecommunications future remains a challenge.
Demand aggregation is one strategy that has been successfully employed by communities to improve telecommunications outcomes in their regions. In this context, demand aggregation is about pooling the demand for telecommunications services in a region or sector.
More info on the Broadband Map |
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Telecommunications Regulatory Environment
The Minister of Communications announced a package of measues for the Telecommunications industry designed to help New Zealand achieve our Connection Goal. These include:
* Operational Seperation of Telecom
* Requiring the unbundling of the local loop and sub-loop copper-wire lines between telephone exchanges and homes and businesses, allowing other Internet Service Providers to compete fully with Telecom to provide faster, cheaper broadband.
* Regulatory improvements including information disclosure and an enhanced Commerce Commission monitoring role.
* Removing constraints on the existing regulated Unbundled Bitstream Service.
* Encouraging investment in alternative infrastructure including a review of public sector investment in telecommunications infrastructure, developing a rural package and potential expansion of the Broadband Challenge fund.
Up to date details can be found on the Ministry of Economic Development's website www.med.govt.nz |