CAN WE REALLY JOIN THE BROADBAND AGE?

Much has been said about the need for relatively remote countries such as NZ and relatively remote areas within, such as the Far North needing to be connected to the world via high speed broadband. The internet does offer ways of overcoming the tyranny of distance and keeping us not only informed, but actual players in the rush the world has taken in connectivity.

It cab be easy to ignore all the developments occurring, but we just cannot afford to if we hope to stay competitive and offer opportunities for our young folk. Some commentators feel the need to understand the future and map it out on a business plan, but this is just not possible with the speed of technological change.

Just think how recently you heard of Youtube, and some of you still might not have, yet Youtube and other personal video traffic is already accounting for the majority of world internet use.

Auckland City Council are determined that their city will not to be left behind so they have formed an advisory group to lead discussions on what the city needs to keep it at the forefront of economic activity. Even though most councillors don’t really understand what the issues and the technologies are they have bravely backed this group of influencers to guide them on their journey.

I have the privilege to be one of the team members and we have wide ranging discussions on rapidly changing events. The obvious options do not readily reveal themselves with some seeking to roll out fibre and others waiting to see if Local Loop Unbundling (LLU) really happens and opens up the Telecom network to new players.

Some new services have arrived such as Wifi hotspots in Newmarket and Parnell allowing people to connect their laptops to the internet in most cafes and shopping areas in these two parts of Auckland. Queen Street will follow shortly and users on the Kordia backed system can easily open an account which will also allow them to surf the net in downtown Whangarei and several other NZ cities on the same account.

We need to be aware of these trends so that we are not left behind up here in the Far North. Imagine if our council lead such a group so that we just didn’t rely on Telecom, who to be fair have brought DSL to many via their rollout of broadband to those near an upgraded cabinet.