The National Broadband Network: What it means for Business
There’s been a whole lot of talk recently about the National Broadband Network (NBN) – with both sides of politics arguing about its advantages and disadvantages, how much it will cost, and how it will be rolled out. There’s also considerable talk about “super fast download” speeds, and about how the network will change things for Australia on an international scale.
But what actually is this National Broadband Network? How will it work? And in real terms, how will it help a business like yours?
The National Broadband Network (or NBN) is a ‘fibre to the home’ network that’s currently under construction. In essence, it’s a giant network of fibre that will allow homes and businesses around Australia to access the internet at much greater speeds than ever before. The fibre won’t reach every home and business in Australia – but the homes that don’t connect directly will be supplied using super fast wireless and satellite technology.
Most importantly, the new network promises download speeds of 1000 megabits per second for 93% of Australian homes and businesses*. In basic terms, this means that many homes and businesses will be able to use the internet around 100 times faster than they can right now.
In fact, the NBN is the single largest infrastructure investment in Australia’s history**.
So what does the NBN mean for business?
This impressive new infrastructure will have considerable benefits for Australian businesses of all sizes. Here are just a few:
1. We’ll catch up to the rest of the developed world! For a long time, Australia’s internet speeds have been lagging behind many developed countries. Once the NBN is in place, we will be able to use the internet and access data in all new ways – and adopt exciting new technology and innovations from other countries such as Japan and the US.
2. Change the way you connect with customers. With super fast download speeds, there’s no limit to the things your business can use the internet for. Customers can engage with your products and services online, via voice, video and imagery in a much richer and more exciting way – meaning more and more businesses can use the internet for advertising, rather than turning to traditional media like TV and radio to get messages across.
3. Faster, more powerful transactions. With a much more powerful network, you’ll be able to use the internet as more of a shop-front, and more businesses will be able to encourage customers to browse and buy online.
4. Reduce customer service costs. With the boost that the NBN will give to the internet, more of your CRM activity can be done online. This means a reduced burden on your customer service and sales teams. The internet can do the hard work for you.
5. More automated business management. The NBN will enable much more streamlined business management via web-enabled software – such as for supply chain management. For instance, businesses with a huge network of warehouses will be able to update information in real-time so that everyone is aware of where stock is at any given time.
6. Reduced travel and meeting costs. The NBN will make it possible to have high-definition video conferencing. This is obviously fantastic for businesses that have offices all over Australia – as people can connect over the internet rather than needing to fly or drive for face-to-face meetings.
7. Huge boost for regional Australia. The new network will connect cities, major regional centres and rural towns right around the country – and it is expected to be rolled-out, simultaneously, in metropolitan, regional, and rural areas. This means that every person and business in Australia, no-matter where they are located, will have access to affordable, fast broadband.
8. Open access network. Importantly, the NBN will be open access – meaning it will not be controlled or dominated by any of the major telecommunications organisations. It will also have a uniform pricing structure, regardless of a consumer or business’ location – meaning rural or regional businesses will not be disadvantaged in any way.
9. Improved international profile. The NBN is set to raise Australia’s profile on an international scale as far as IT is concerned. According to an Australian Government press release that announced the initiative, the NBN ‘will fundamentally transform the competitive dynamics of the telecommunications sector, underpin future productivity growth and our international competitiveness’.
10. More jobs in IT. According to www.nationalbroadbandnetwork.net.au, the project is expected to generate 40,000 jobs within its planned 8 years and will generate a boom for Australian workforce especially in the areas of IT, telecommunications and construction. With IT jobs in places such as the US becoming rare, the opportunities for skilled technicians from all over the world will be enormous.
Interested in finding out about what great things you can do online once the NBN is in place?
Talk to the team at Big Click Studios to find out more.
* Rodgers, Emma (12 August 2010). “Big gig: NBN to be 10 times faster”. ABC.
**http://www.minister.dbcde.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/022/
