One example of large-scale integrated national infrastructure is taking place in Australia, where the government is building the national broadband network (NBN), which will link all Australians to affordable high-speed broadband. This is directed not solely at supplying high-speed internet access, but primarily at facilitating trans-sector policies aimed at developing the digital economy, e-health, e-education, smart grids, smart transport, and so on.
With its national broadband network, Australia is leading the world in these developments, and interesting lessons can be learned from the Australian experience. However, this does not mean that the Australian example can simply be copied. Each country will have to develop its own plan, based on its own unique society, political system, geography, economic development and financial situation. However, smart infrastructure and trans-sector policies are a crucial element in the process – whether the country is one of the poorest or one of the richest in the world, the basic problems are the same and we can all learn from one another.
In order to facilitate industry and sector transformation the new infrastructure will be made available on a utilities basis. The Australian government does not see this as a telecoms policy; it is regarded as a national infrastructure similar to electricity, gas, water, roads, etc.