Australia and it's fucking internet issues.

[weemadando]

Because we're a nation of fucking racist retards who don't have a clue about technology or are active luddites, one of the big talking points in today's papers and news programs is that there's been a massive increase in people using 3G (mobile phone/wireless internet).

So clearly this means that that whole "National Broadband Network" isn't needed as everyone should go onto 3G? Right? Right?

Broadband billions left hanging as wireless bites back
ARI SHARP
January 13, 2010
Take up of wireless broadband technology by Aussies more than doubled last financial year.

Take up of wireless broadband technology by Aussies more than doubled last financial year. Photo: Louie Douvis

AUSTRALIANS are flocking to 3G mobiles and wireless broadband devices, bringing into question some of the assumptions behind the Rudd Government's $43 billion national broadband network.

A report published yesterday by the Australian Communications and Media Authority shows that take up of wireless technology more than doubled last financial year as quicker speeds and more sophisticated handsets made it a viable alternative to fixed-line internet.

''Australians increasingly seek flexibility in where and how they access communications and content,'' the report found.

The number of mobile phone services rose 9.5 per cent in 2008-09 to 24.2 million, and wireless broadband had leapt 162 per cent to 2.1 million by the end of June. This contrasts with the number of fixed-line telephone services, which fell 3 per cent to 10.7 million.

The report backs other evidence of a rise in mobile services. Last month Telstra used such data to explain a reduction of the revenue it expected from fixed-line services.

The embrace of wireless by consumers could prove to be a headache for the Government. The financial viability of its broadband network will rely on much of Australia's internet traffic being directed through its pipes.

The Communications Minister, Stephen Conroy, has argued that wireless would complement the broadband network but lack enough speed to be a direct competitor.

A spokesman for Senator Conroy did not respond to a request for comment. However, the spokesman had previously said of wireless: ''Industry experts agree its popularity does not reduce the need for fibre broadband investment to support Australia's future requirements''.

The broadband network will use fibre-to-the-premises infrastructure to deliver speeds of up to 100 megabits a second to 90 per cent of homes and businesses. The remaining 10 per cent will get a wireless service.

The Opposition communications spokesman, Tony Smith, used the figures to attack the Government, saying it lacked sufficient evidence for its spending on the network.

''This evidence from Senator Conroy's own agency highlights the utter recklessness of the Rudd Government in committing to the [network] without any semblance of cost-benefit analysis.''

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald

[Stark]

The 3G networks are clearly suited for high-bandwidth, low-latency, high-reliability 'always up' connections in residential or corporate environments, and thus the 'assumptions' being the EVIL RUDD PLAN are bogus and he's wasting our money, Ando. It's RECKLESS to deploy regional fibre links, because there's WIRELESS.

Now I remember why I only read the Herald when I'm in the mood for a laugh.

[Vendetta]

3G wireless is the biggest scam ever here. They give away "free" laptops with something ridiculous like a 2 year 3G contract that will cost something like twice the price of the laptop over the course of the contract, and give shitty internet performance in most of the country.

[aieeegrunt]

Wireless is the ONLY option where I live, I can't even get any form of DSL. I have a Rogers Rocket stick, and it's good enough for browsing, xbox live (well, except ODST because Bungle can't network code worth a damn), and such.

I certainly wouldn't advise it unless it's literally you're only option though.

[weemadando]

The 3G networks are clearly suited for high-bandwidth, low-latency, high-reliability 'always up' connections in residential or corporate environments, and thus the 'assumptions' being the EVIL RUDD PLAN are bogus and he's wasting our money, Ando. It's RECKLESS to deploy regional fibre links, because there's WIRELESS.

Now I remember why I only read the Herald when I'm in the mood for a laugh.

SSHHH STRAK! You'll disturb the "experts" who believe that the most bandwidth intensive application required in the modern world is MSN chat. And seeing as how they can text from their phones, then clearly there's no problem with 3G as an internet platform!

[atg]

Currently my only option for internet at home is a Telstra nextG connection.

Its a serviceable connection, I can actually play Modern Warfare 2 with it, but the download limit and the price are a joke (5GB/$99).

[bobalot]

The Liberal sat around with it's thumb up its arse when it came to the internet for 10 years. They privatised a virtual monopoly and got surprised when it delivered shitty service, shitty improvements and engaged in monopolistic behaviour. Now it appears they believe that the 3G network would make a proper broadband network obsolete. Fucking unbelievable.

The embrace of wireless by consumers could prove to be a headache for the Government. The financial viability of its broadband network will rely on much of Australia's internet traffic being directed through its pipes.

What the fuck? Where do these newspapers get these fucking retards who would actually make the comparison? Even most PC illiterate people today know that the internet you get on your phone is fairly limited.

[thejester]

Lol guys I think we need to knee jerk harder.

The report itself provides a compelling reason for a future broadband network:

Australians also showed an insatiable thirst for content, downloading 80 per cent more data in 2008-09 compared to the previous year.

Note that that's pulled from this article, which is the syndicated News one - which also contains an expert going 'yeah we do need it'. The only, only person quoted as actually saying 'holy shit we need to reassess' is...the Opposition spokesperson!

All this shows is that Rudd and Conroy need to sell the broadband network on the basis of future needs and potential services; most of the shit that most of the people do on the net now - email, facebook, twitter, news - is easily handled by current wireless technology.