Virtual bumper sticker: I blog and I vote

Just as roads, water and electricity were hallmarks of a developed country last century, free wireless broadband is a key measurement this century. Access, price and speed of broadband are a barrier to the education, commerce and development of a country.

Australia risks Third World status when it comes to broadband access. Rupert Murdoch was right to blast the Government on this last month and Communications Minister Helen Coonan was wrong to criticise him. The Government sees the provision of this essential infrastructure as the responsibility of the telecommunication companies. I see the Government having a key role. This should drive the cost down and increase the roll-out speed. Like any essential infrastructure, the cost to the consumer ought to be tiny if not nothing. By leaving it up to the telcos, the Government is making our country poorer by world standards.

While Rupert Murdoch wants more ubiquitous and faster broadband for his businesses, I want it so more Australians are participating in the new world – more bloggers; better education; more competitive commerce; and, a more competitive country.

Having returned yesterday from LeWeb 3 in Paris, once again having to navigate no access or, often, poor quality wireless access, and reading more finger pointing on this I’m frustrated that the government does not get it. National broadband coverage (wireless or not) is essential. It’s not about whether a telco will make a profit or not. It’s about the citizens of the country being able to compete on the world stage – today, not in five or ten years. Today we need this coverage. We are being left behind.

For location of free WiFi hubs the government could look no further than newsagents. There are 4,600 retail locations across the country. They are already hubs in their communities for other services. I am certain newsagents would gladly play a role in free WiFi access and help the government take Australia out of third world broadband access status.