Fix 'embarrassing' broadband, says PBL

Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd chairman James Packer has called on the government to provide regulatory certainty to fix Australia's "embarrassing" broadband position.
Mr Packer said Australia's low broadband penetration rate compared to the rest of the world would only be improved if the government provided a clear set of regulatory boundaries.
He said Australia's online advertising revenue had grown considerably in the last 12 months.
"Broadband penetration is a key driver of this growth," Mr Packer told a ninemsn digital market summit.
"But Australia's position in this area is embarrassing.
"We need faster broadband to stay competitive with the rest of the world."
Late last year an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development survey on broadband subscriber rates ranked Australia 17th out of 30 countries.
The data showed that Australia had an average of 10.9 broadband subscribers per 100 inhabitants, compared to an OECD average of 11.8.
Korea maintained its lead with 25.5 subscribers per 100 inhabitants.
Number one telco Telstra has locked horns with the competition watchdog over the rollout of its proposed $3 billion fibre broadband network, saying it needs regulatory certainty before its investment can proceed.

Full Article: Fix 'embarrassing' broadband, says PBL