Australia to fund broadband network learning

Broadband Network (NBN)-enabled education and skills services programme, reports ComputerWorld.

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, revealed the funding at the CeBit trade show and Sydney, saying the NBN will be vital to the delivery of online education.

“The NBN will support the delivery of online learning through the video and Web-conferencing platforms needed for 21st century education, training and skills development,” Conroy said.

The NBN will assist Australia in becoming a leading digital economy within a decade, Conroy said, according to Ad News.

Unveiling the government's National Digital Economy Strategy, Conroy said the NBN is key to realising the vision of Australia ranking in the top five Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries in the portion of households with broadband connections at home.

The National Digital Economy Strategy also aims to see Australia in the top five OECD countries in the portion of businesses and organisations with a digital presence, increase online learning programmes for educational institutions, develop electronic health records and see the majority of households and businesses have access to smart technology to manage energy use.