National Broadband Network Research Articles

The fattening speed: Understanding the impact of internet speed on obesity, and the mediating role of sedentary behaviour

We examine the impact of access to high-speed internet on obesity. Using 14 waves of longitudinal data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey and a newly constructed dataset on the rollout and adoption rate of the National Broadband Network (NBN) across Australian postcodes, we find that access to high-speed internet has a positive effect on obesity. Specifically, our preferred instrumental variable estimates, which predict the variation in timing and location of internet access upgrades, suggest that a 1 % increase in the proportion of a postcode that has access to NBN is associated with a 1.573 increase in Body Mass Index and a 6.6 percentage point increase in the probability of being obese. These results are robust to several checks and alternative specifications. We also find that sedentary behaviour and inactivity are mechanisms through which access to high-speed internet transmits to obesity.

Internet and Gambling: Insights from Australia's NBN Rollout.

Gambling is a well-known leisure activity that leads to significant consequences when consumed excessively. We provide an analysis of the impact of access to faster and more reliable internet connection on gambling. We rely on variations in the rollout of Australia's largest infrastructure project, National Broadband Network (NBN) installation, to measure internet speed at the postcode level. Using gambling data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey, we find that access to high-speed internet is associated with a decline in gambling proxied by the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). However, a closer look at the various forms of gambling show that internet speed is associated with an increase in online-based gambling activities, which constitute a relatively small proportion of gambling activities that Australians participate in. In contrast, internet speed is associated with a decline in venue-based gambling activities, which constitute a large proportion of gambling activities that occur in Australia, and therefore explains the overall negative effect on gambling. We find that social capital and cognitive functioning are channels through which internet speed influences gambling.

Vale Doug Campbell (1939–2023)

Doug Campbell commenced his life and career in Canada. He joined the Australian telecommunications sector in mid-career and made extended contributions in many different senior management positions in Telecom Australia and Telstra, particularly in modernising the Telstra network, in establishing and managing Telstra Country Wide, and, then, in the early phase of the national broadband network, in NBN Co. Doug died on 2 December 2023, and is sadly missed by his family, friends and former colleagues. This tribute, to which many have contributed, seeks to set Doug’s life and career in the context of the times. He was at the table, often as the key decision-maker, during many of the significant changes in the telecommunications industry during the last decade of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st.

Growing Australia’s Creative Industry

The Australian Broadband Advisory Council (ABAC) released a position paper on the future of Creative Industry in March 2022, as part of series of papers formed by various industry expert working groups. The purpose of the Creative Industry position paper was to provide advice and recommendations to the Minister for Communications on ways to maximise the benefits of the National Broadband Network (NBN) and other high-speed networks in key sectors of the economy. This article outlines the key findings of the position paper and discusses briefly other key global and local activities since the publication of the position paper that are of note, such as Covid-19, the 2023 writers’ strike and the concerns around AI technology deployment in the Creative Industry.

Leveraging Cloud Services & Digital Transformation for Sustainability: Insights from Cases of Qatar

The current research aimed to present an in-depth analysis of how Qatar Free Zone (QFZ), Qatar Smart Program (TASMU), Qatar National Broadband Network (Qnbn), and Msheireb Downtown Doha are Leveraging Cloud Services and digital transformation for sustainability under Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV2030). The researcher used a qualitative case study research approach to analyse the aim gathering data using semi-structured interviews from 21 sustainability experts, government officials, and IT professionals. The findings highlighted that QFZ and Qnbn projects of Qatar meet the principles of SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Results showed that Qnbn offers multiple benefits for the economic development of multiple sectors. All four cases align with two SDGs, including SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, to meet the requirements of the QNV2030 and sustainability for building Smart Qatar. Also, these projects like Msheireb Downtown Doha and QFZ in Qatar are founded on four key pillars, including social, human, economic and environmental developments meeting QNV2030 objectives. Cloud services also offer climate-related innovations facilitating environmental monitoring, resource optimisation, etc., in QFZ and Google Cloud partnership aligned with SDG 13: Climate Action.

Assessing the benefits of high-speed broadband: Lessons from Australia's National Broadband Network (NBN)

This study reviews the economic benefits analysis conducted in 2014 for the National Broadband Network (NBN), one of Australia's largest ever public infrastructure projects. The review identifies that the NBN's benefits were overstated due to error by an estimated $17–20 billion in 2014 present value terms, an amount sufficient to eliminate the NBN's forecast net economic benefits. To provide an updated view on the benefits of high-speed broadband in 2022, a stated choice experiment is conducted, finding that the WTP has grown since 2014 at an annual real rate of 8.8 percent for download speeds and 11.5 percent for upload speeds. Even at these growth rates, however, the benefits of the NBN remain materially lower than forecast in 2014. Further, the analysis finds high heterogeneity in the household WTP, with smaller and lower-income households reluctant to pay a premium for speeds much faster than 50 Mbps, indicating that the adoption of the fastest available broadband speeds is likely to remain low. The study highlights the potential value of cost-benefit analyses, but also the risks, particularly where they are relied on to justify enduring extensions of government ownership and control. The paper concludes by identifying learnings for policymakers and cost-benefit analysis practitioners seeking to assess and optimize the economic value of public infrastructure investments.

High-speed internet access and energy poverty

We examine how access to high-speed internet affects the probability of being in energy poverty. To do so, we match data on Australia's National Broadband Network (NBN) high-speed internet rollout across postcodes with longitudinal data that contains information on household energy poverty for a nationally representative sample of Australians. Applying a difference-in-difference approach, we find that a 1% increase in the proportion of a postcode that gains access to the NBN causes an average increase of 2.2% in the probability of being in energy poverty. We find that social capital is a channel through which access to high-speed internet transmits to energy poverty. Specifically, the rollout of high-speed internet access has contributed to lower levels of social capital and lower levels of social capital have contributed to higher levels of household energy poverty.

Broadband Internet and Cognitive Functioning*

We empirically examine the impact of high‐speed internet access on cognitive functioning using data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey and crystallised and fluid intelligence measures. Leveraging differences in the National Broadband Network rollout across Australia, we find that high‐speed internet access causes a decline in crystallised intelligence and that the effects are mediated by social capital and moderated by age and gender. Although no overall effect on fluid intelligence was observed, a decline was noted in young adults. These findings underline the nuanced influence of high‐speed internet access on different aspects of cognitive function.

Digital economy growth in Singapore and Thailand due to the post-COVID-19 pandemic

This research aims to identify the development of the digital economy and its impact on welfare and economic growth in Singapore and Thailand. The two countries allocate a budget for the specific purpose of building a broadband network all over the country. This national broadband network will help bridge the gap digital divide and encourage modern economic development through e-commerce. However, in its application or implementation, there are many differences between the two countries in their achievements. The method used in this study is Qualitative Research Method. It uses the Literature Review Method to understand better the state of digital economy growth in both countries. Based on the comparison of the results, Singapore is far superior in average internet speed. Although high internet speed lags, however, in the field of e-commerce and means of payment electronics, Thailand is much more accessible compared to Singapore.

The Multi-Technology Footprint of the National Broadband Network in Australia: Exploring the Urban-Regional Divide and Socio-spatial Patterns for Inequality

The recent global pandemic renewed the importance of telecommunication infrastructure, as many COVID responses (e.g., working from home, home-schooling, e-commerce) were challenged by the inequity of access to broadband services and its underlying network. This paper examines the geospatial footprint of the National Broadband Network (NBN) in relation to the demographics of Australia’s cities and regions. Through data made available by the NBN, which describes the technologies used in its multi-technology mix platform, and published demographic data available via the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), we explore the equity of access to broadband technologies across the nation. The results show a persistent urban-regional divide in the NBN. The paper also offers a brief assessment of the complex and contradictory ways policy responses attempt to mitigate the digital divide, including updates to the national infrastructure project plans.

Exploring the relationship between information and communication technology (ICT) and productivity: Evidence from Australian farms

AbstractThe relationship between information and communication technology (ICT) and farm productivity remains unresolved and often debated with limited evidence. While ICT is generally accepted by many to be a positive driver of productivity, others question it. Realistically, truth is likely somewhere in between. Certain ICT investments are likely to facilitate productivity improvement, whereas others may offer some other benefits such as improved safety or reduced emissions. It is also undeniable that some ICT investments may fail or offer little more than a temporary novelty. Using a sample of Australian farm‐level data, analysis in this paper finds a positive relationship between ICT investment and productivity. Specifically, the use of precision agriculture and machinery infused with ICT (such as GPS autosteering tractors) is found to be statistically significant. Moreover, digital internet access or access to the National Broadband Network (NBN) is found to be beneficial—and conversely, farms that reported mobile and internet connectivity problems tended to achieve lower productivity.

Evaluating the usability of a co-designed interactive web application for cardiac rehabilitation.

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Novartis Background/significance The rapid development of information technology is driving the evolution of choices of modes of delivery of healthcare services. The internet is an extremely powerful tool for accessing information, and communication. However, involvement of patients in the assessment of such an intervention is crucial, and can be achieved through a person-centred approach, utilising a co-design process with the aim to increase intervention usability. Purpose To assess the usability of the Country Access to Cardiac Health (CATCH) Web, an interactive web application for cardiac rehabilitation (CR), co-designed with rural and remote Australians, following the co-design development phase. Methods The User Experience (UX) Design framework was used to co-design the web portal with CR patients through two rounds of six co-design workshops pre (n=39), and post (n=35). Participants and family members living in rural and remote areas of Australia were invited to participate based on their eligibility for CR as outlined by the National Heart Foundation of Australia. As part of the UX Design Framework the System Usability Scale (SUS) was used to measure objective feedback from participants on the website design. The SUS assesses the three core components of a products usability: effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction using a 10 question Likert scale. Mean scores were compared between the two rounds of workshops using an independent T-Test. The mean SUS score is categorised into poor to moderate (<68), good (68-80.3) and excellent (>=80.3) and categories were compared between the two rounds of workshops through Chi-Square tests. Results The 35 participants in the usability workshops had a mean age of 68.6 (SD 11.2) years and 16 (47%) were female (Table 1). The majority had experienced a myocardial infarction (15, 42.8%) and had hyperlipidemia (17, 50%), heart failure (15, 44%), hypertension (14, 41%), and Type II diabetes (7, 21%). Of these participants 20 (59%) used a smart phone, 18 (58%) had access to the National Broadband Network and 20 (59%) engaged with Facebook. From the first to the second round of workshops, there was an improvement in the mean SUS scores from 66.7 (SD16.8) to 73.6 (SD 21.0); p=0.26. The proportion of participants rating it as good or excellent increased from 48.7 to 65.8%; p=0.11 (Figure1). Conclusion The usability testing of the interactive CATCH web application showed an improvement in the SUS rating from poor to moderate in the co-design development phase to good or excellent by most of the participants in the usability testing phase. Usability is closely related to engagement with a digital health intervention. Upcoming evaluation of this intervention will report on clinical outcomes.

Resisting the Effects of Neoliberalism on Public Policy Comment on "Implementing Universal and Targeted Policies for Health Equity: Lessons From Australia".

Fisher and colleagues carefully review the extent to which health equity goals of availability, affordability, and acceptability have been achieved in the areas of national broadband network policy and land-use policy, in addition to the more traditional areas of primary healthcare and Indigenous health in Australia. They consider the effectiveness of policies identified as either universal, proportionate-universal, targeted or residualist in these areas. In this commentary we suggest future areas of inquiry that can help inform the findings of their excellent study. These include the impacts of Australia being a liberal welfare state and how acceptance of neoliberal approaches to governance makes the achieving of health equity in these four policy areas difficult.

Broadband Futures Forum: The Rise of 5G and the NBN

On 25 May 2021, TelSoc hosted the seventh Broadband Futures Forum, held online, to examine the relationship between 5G and Australia’s National Broadband Network (NBN). Two speakers discussed opportunities arising from the 5G core architecture for service creation and delivery via the NBN. Several 5G-related services that could be offered by the NBN to be used by its retail service providers were outlined. Discussion following the speeches included questions about potential service characteristics, possibilities for automation, and deployment scenarios.

Broadband Futures Forum: Regional and Rural Broadband Access

On 24 March 2021, TelSoc hosted the sixth Broadband Futures Forum, held online, with a focus on regional and rural broadband access. Mr Gavin Williams from NBN Co, the developer of Australia’s National Broadband Network (NBN), spoke about developments in Fixed Wireless and Satellite services and described NBN Co’s commitment to ongoing enhancement of broadband access in regional and rural Australia. A question-and-answer session followed the presentation in which Mr Williams fielded a variety of questions on broadband access and technological developments.

Ideology-Driven Telecommunications Market Leads to a Second-Rate Outcome

Papers in the December 2020 issue of the Journal include a discussion about the parlous state of television broadcasting in Australia, 6G and the future of the National Broadband Network. The digital economy is a focus, with papers on tax risk assessment and assurance and the use of e-commerce by MSEs in Indonesia. Global telecommunications markets are struggling to move beyond the 20th century thinking and ideology-driven decision making that pervades many governments. Telecommunications use has surged as work from home has become normalised, yet the digital divide and second-rate outcomes abound as the result of poor decision making by government. Dr Leith Campbell takes over as the Managing Editor in January 2021. The Journal welcomes contributions on telecommunications and the digital economy.

NBN Futures Forum: Towards a National Broadband Strategy for Australia, 2020-2030

On 24 November 2020, TelSoc hosted the fifth NBN Futures Forum, held online, to launch the first major report, Towards a National Broadband Strategy for Australia, from the NBN Futures Group. The report, which summarized nearly two years of deliberations by the NBN Futures Group, contained 13 conclusions that were presented and discussed at the Forum. These conclusions supported the view that broadband is an essential service for Australia’s digital economy and society and that Australia’s National Broadband Network (NBN) is central to broadband provision. They promoted the concept of an overarching National Broadband Strategy to achieve social, economic and governmental goals. In addition to the main speech presenting the report’s conclusions, there were written statements from the Minister and Shadow Minister, supplementary remarks from two members of the NBN Futures Group, commentary from three panellists on consumer, policy and governmental perspectives, and general discussion. This paper summarizes the full content of the Forum.

Towards a National Broadband Strategy for Australia, 2020-2030

This Report has been developed by the TelSoc National Broadband Network (NBN) Futures Group, drawing on substantial work since early 2019 to examine the current state and desirable future of broadband services in Australia. The purpose of the Group and this Report is to ensure Australia’s broadband infrastructure and services continues to develop in a financially responsible and timely manner, delivering value, economic benefit and new services to all Australian residents in all locations and in all economic circumstances. Broadband infrastructure, including the NBN in particular, represents National Critical Infrastructure providing essential services important for the development of a digital economy and online society. All Australians should benefit to the maximum extent in realising the social and economic potential of broadband. Large, long-term investments and programs that address the demand side, as well as the supply side, of broadband require a clear long-term vision and plan (the National Broadband Strategy), supported by a robust bipartisan commitment that endures beyond electoral cycles. The Report is not such a Strategy but is a major contribution towards it. It is addressed to all stakeholders, especially to the Commonwealth Government which has leadership responsibility, and to industry organisations whose involvement is important for success.

Malcolm Turnbull — A Feisty Interview with the Shadow Minister

Liz Fell’s interview in 2011 with the Australian Shadow Minister for Telecommunications, Malcolm Turnbull MP, was notable for his combativeness (rare amongst her interviewees). In tribute to both Ms Fell and Mr Turnbull, we republish that interview with the future Prime Minister who, as Minister for Communications in 2013-15, implemented the multi-technology mix redesign of the National Broadband Network.

Grand corruption scandals in the Philippines

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to analyse the weaknesses of governance institutions in constraining grand corruption arising from the government procurement of large foreign-funded infrastructure projects in the Philippines. The weaknesses are revealed in the description and analysis of two major scandals, namely, the construction of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant during the Marcos era and the National Broadband Network project of the Arroyo presidency.Design/methodology/approachThis research employs a historical and comparative case approach to explore patterns of grand corruption and their resolution. Primary and secondary data sources including court decisions, congressional records, journal articles and newspaper reports are used to construct the narratives for each case.FindingsTop-level executive agreements that do not require competitive public bidding provide an opportunity for grand corruption. Such agreements encourage the formation of corrupt rent-seeking relationships involving the selling firm, brokers, politicians and top-level government executives. Closure of cases of grand corruption is a serious problem that involves an incoherent and politically vulnerable prosecutorial and justice system.Originality/valueThis paper aims to contribute to research on grand corruption involving the executive branch in the Philippines, particularly in the procurement of large, foreign-funded government projects. It examines allegations of improprieties in government project contracting and the politics of resolving corruption scandals through the justice system.