Students could be left offline and behind with internet access prices set to almost triple under the National Broadband Network, University of Southern Queensland Vice-Chancellor Jan Thomas has warned.
The Federal Government needed to subsidize the scheme otherwise students with disabilities, from remote areas and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds could all miss out on the intended benefits of the $35.9 billion NBN due to its associated high cost.
“Funding and subsidies must be injected otherwise the digital divide will widen, with most in need left offline and behind,” Professor Thomas said.
The NBN, which would replace the current copper network, could see internet prices almost triple, creating a firewall to learning for many students, living on or just above the bread line.
“And, as more universities nationwide deliver increasing content and support to its students via the internet; affordable, competitive packages are integral to ensure the Bradley Report’s 2025 targets for lower socio economic students are met,” she said.
Under the NBN, about 93% of homes, schools and businesses would be connected to the new fibre optic network boasting broadband speeds of up to 100 megabits per second.
The new NBN system could see entry level broadband users face fees of about $60.00 effectively tripling current costs, with mid-level plans at $90.00 and high-level packages at $110.00.
Significantly, the entry level NBN plans ISPs provide for internet access were equivalent to medium to high level plans on the current copper broadband network.
All remaining premises, including the bulk of remote communities, would be served with a combination of next-generation fixed wireless and satellite technologies providing peak speeds of at least 12 megabits per second. The copper network, which would be switched off in three years, needed to remain online until NBN prices dropped or the government subsidized the scheme.
“It is the remote students, and those from lower socio economic backgrounds, many of whom rely on internet access to complete their studies; that will be hardest hit when NBN internet packages become compulsory in three years,” Professor Thomas said.
Under the current copper network, students could access the internet from $20.00 a month, but under the fibre optic high-speed NBN internet service providers faced a $24.00 Federal Government access fee before retail packages were offered to consumers.
“In other words, the Internet Service Provider (ISP) wholesale charge is higher than the current end cost for many consumers,” Professor Thomas said.
“For students living on or just above the “bread line”, the question remains as to how they will stay plugged in when the Government pulls the plug on the current system.”
Media Contact
Jim Campbell:
jim.campbell@usq.edu.au +617 4631 1163 or 0434 491 129.
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