That’s the only conclusion that can be derived from a strongly recalibrated network as recommended in a strategic review of the National Broadband Network released yesterday.

Instead, for $41 billion – significantly less than the option put forward by the previous Labor government, yet still more than predictions from the Coalition – Australia will get a hotch-potch of broadband options. The review has recommended  implementing a multi-technology approach, including continuing to roll out fibre-to-the-premises (buildings), for 20 to 26 per cent of premises until 2018.  A slower fibre-to-the-node (boxes on street corners) model, which will rely on ageing copper wires, will be rolled out to 44 to 50 per cent of premises, while hybrid fibre-coaxial has been recommended for 30 per cent of premises. Fixed wireless and satellite will be used outside fixed-line areas, which is estimated to serve six per cent of premises.

What is really concerning for those in regional areas is that, again, we will be left behind. Labor’s plans, which were ambitious to say the least, provided equality of access to services.

Under the recommendations contained in this review, a picture is being painted of service based upon levels of perceived need.

The digital divide, so strongly refuted during the election campaign, does and will continue to exist.

The difficulty is understanding the benefit in comparison with the expenditure, particularly in challenging economic times.

However, Australians don’t need to look far this week to show why investment in world-leading technologies and innovation is  crucial to our long-term prospects.

What the new government must now deliver is a system that does not discriminate by distance.

It must ensure that access to the highest possible broadband speeds and opportunities for upgrades in future generations are made possible through the program of implementation during the next five to 10 years.

With a continually developing information technology industry, Ballarat stands to be at the forefront of the results of the major party’s policies for many years to come.