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The Multi-Technology Footprint of the National Broadband Network in Australia: Exploring the Urban-Regional Divide and Socio-spatial Patterns for Inequality

Author

Listed:
  • Tooran Alizadeh
  • Edward Helderop
  • Tony H. Grubesic
  • Richard Ferrers

Abstract

The recent global pandemic renewed the importance of telecommunication infrastructure, as many COVID responses (e.g., working from home, home-schooling, e-commerce) were challenged by the inequity of access to broadband services and its underlying network. This paper examines the geospatial footprint of the National Broadband Network (NBN) in relation to the demographics of Australia’s cities and regions. Through data made available by the NBN, which describes the technologies used in its multi-technology mix platform, and published demographic data available via the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), we explore the equity of access to broadband technologies across the nation. The results show a persistent urban-regional divide in the NBN. The paper also offers a brief assessment of the complex and contradictory ways policy responses attempt to mitigate the digital divide, including updates to the national infrastructure project plans.

Suggested Citation

  • Tooran Alizadeh & Edward Helderop & Tony H. Grubesic & Richard Ferrers, 2024. "The Multi-Technology Footprint of the National Broadband Network in Australia: Exploring the Urban-Regional Divide and Socio-spatial Patterns for Inequality," International Regional Science Review, , vol. 47(2), pages 159-181, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:inrsre:v:47:y:2024:i:2:p:159-181
    DOI: 10.1177/01600176231168025
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Clark, David & Gillett, Sharon & Lehr, William & Sirbu, Marvin & Fountain, Jane E., 2003. "Local Government Stimulation of Broadband: Effectiveness, E-Government, and Economic Development," Working Paper Series rwp03-002, Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government.
    2. Kelsey L. Conley & Brian E. Whitacre, 2020. "Home Is Where the Internet Is? High-speed Internet’s Impact on Rural Housing Values," International Regional Science Review, , vol. 43(5), pages 501-530, September.
    3. Tony H. Grubesic & Timothy C. Matisziw & Alan T. Murray, 2011. "Market Coverage and Service Quality in Digital Subscriber Lines Infrastructure Planning," International Regional Science Review, , vol. 34(3), pages 368-390, July.
    4. Tooran Alizadeh, 2015. "The spatial justice implications of telecommunication infrastructure: the socio-economic status of early national broadband network rollout in Australia," International Journal of Critical Infrastructures, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 11(3), pages 278-296.
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