"Broadband is an essential service for both individuals and business and is vital for Australia's future economic prosperity," said Coonan. "Anyone unable to gain a reasonable level of broadband service at their principal place of residence or small business will receive a subsidized broadband service. It's as simple as that."
This new measure is meant to ensure that all Australians have affordable, high-quality Internet access. The government will commit to AU $163, under the Australian Broadband Guarantee, to provide Internet access to those who can not currently afford broadband.
"Broadband Internet is a key economic driver and is increasingly important for the delivery of business and education services, as well as for individuals in the home," said Australian Prime Minister, John Howard.
The Australian Broadband Guarantee will fill in any remaining broadband blackspots across Australia and will build on the success of the Government's $878 million Broadband Connect program and the $50 million Metro Broadband Connect program.
"Today's announcement will make Australia one of the few countries in the world to ensure an affordable broadband service to all households and small businesses," said Howard.
The first phase of the Guarantee will run until June 2008 when the funds from the Government's $2 billion Communications Fund will come on stream. This will enable the Government to continue the Australian Broadband Guarantee for as long as in necessary to ensure all Australians have access to broadband regardless of where they live.
The Guarantee is part of the transition to the $600 million Broadband Connect Infrastructure Program. The infrastructure program will establish an efficient, sustainable broadband infrastructure base across regional Australia to enable the roll-out of higher speed broadband.
