Provides analysis of the costs and benefits of increased access to very high‐speed broadband, arguing that while there are net benefits to that increased access, they will only be realised by efficient investment, operation and pricing.

Overview

This report presents the results from the Panel of Experts' research to address the first item of its terms of reference:

1 What is the direct and indirect value, in economic and social terms, of increased broadband speeds, and to what extent should broadband be supported by the government?

a) This should consider the economic and social benefits of bringing forward improvements in broadband speed and the respective benefits of alternative/potential technologies.  

b) It should also consider the extent to which market pricing mechanisms can capture the value of benefits (including benefits to Australian governments).