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CeBIT 2010: NBN cost not an issue

26.05.2010
The cost of the National Broadband Network (NBN) has been played down by industry players despite Federal Opposition, and some industry concerns, around the high price-tag of the national infrastructure project.

Speaking at CeBIT 2010, NICTA CEO Dr David Skellern said whatever the cost, the NBN was worth pursuing.

"Was $42 billion dollars spent on a handout at Christmas a good way to spend $42 billion? We spend a lot of money on all sorts of things I think are not very worthwhile," he said. "...Whatever [the NBN] comes in at, my belief is it's worth doing. I don't know how you'd get 100 per cent coverage if you didn't have the sort of network that is being planned.

"If you believe connectivity is going to be important in the future... then the cost of [the NBN] is what it is going to cost."

Dr Ian Oppermann, director at the CSIRO ICT Centre, said the cost of the NBN should be made in comparison with building other national infrastructure projects.

"Is it cost effective to build roads in remote parts of Australia? You wouldn't get a lot of road for $43 billion, but roads carry physical goods and you get services as a consequence. With the NBN you will get services and it's a part of the overall infrastructure of Australia," he said.