"Investment in high-speed broadband is about investing in health, it is about investing in education, it is about investing in energy efficiency measures, it is about investing in the capacity and future vitality of our regional centres", declared Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, in his keynote speech at the "Realising our broadband future" conference on 11 December.

Key benefits of FTTH include higher levels of productivity and greater export opportunities for small businesses, higher levels of foreign investment, savings from improved health service delivery, investing in the social capital through quality education for more people, and environment benefits with more efficient use of scarce resources and reduced commuting.

www.broadbandfuture.gov.au/keynote-speakers.html

*These comments do not necessarily reflect the views of the FTTH Council Europe.