Stephen Conroy opens CeBIT, touts broadband capacity
New world ... Communications Minister Stephen Conroy has told the CeBIT expo the national broadband network will offer possibilities that are hard to imagine. Picture: Charlie Brewer
THE national broadband network will revolutionise education and healthcare and help lower carbon emissions, says Communication Minister Stephen Conroy.
Speaking at the opening of the CeBIT Australia expo in Sydney this morning, Senator Conroy said innovation was key in recovering from the global financial crisis.
“There is a growing view that technology will play a substantial part in the world’s recovery from economic recession,” he said.
“The Rudd Government is strongly committed to preparing the foundations for this recovery.”
Senator Conroy also touted the possibilities of the Government’s planned national broadband network, such as telemedicine and virtual education.
“As was the case when electricity was made widely available a century ago, broadband will also support a whole range of applications we can barely imagine today,” he said.
“There is substantial potential for high-speed broadband to support smart grids to improve energy efficiency and support carbon emission reductions.
