Network Requirement Analysis and Plan

Introduction

Today, the internet has become part and parcel of the day-to-day domestic and commercial operations in numerous nations around the world. Subsequently, the demand for high broadband access among the global population has significantly increased. This research focuses on the discussion of the national broadband infrastructure initiatives and also provides a summary of the current status of the Australian National Broadband plan. Furthermore, the research will also address the digital-divide in Australia and also provide an outline the countries that have the lowest broadband speeds. Lastly, the research will provide an analysis of the benefits why it is good to have high broadband internet connections.

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National Broadband Infrastructure Initiatives

The government supported national broadband infrastructures have significantly contributed to the improvement of internet infrastructure in both urban and rural communities of different nations around the world. In the United States, the National Broadband Plan is an initiative that is supported by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and it is focused on improving the level of internet access among the nation's citizens [1]. Moreover, since its implementation in 2010, the United States National Broadband Plan has significantly increased the number of persons, especially the low-income earners who have been in a position to access the internet.

The Australian National Broadband initiative, on the other hand, is a government-sponsored initiative that has also promoted the level of internet access among citizens of Australian nations. Similarly, Japan's National Broadband Initiative was also a program that was focused on aiding Japan to attain ultrahigh-speed internet by the year 2005 [2]. Lastly, the European Investment Bank (EIB) in 2018 agreed to finance the government supported National Broadband Plan (NBP) an initiative that is also focused on facilitating the spread of internet connectivity in European nations [3]. Ultimately, it is conclusive that such initiatives have immensely helped the global population in attaining access to good internet connectivity.

Current Status of the Australian National Broadband Network (NBN) Plan

The $50 billion NBN plan is currently underway in Australia and it is projected to connect 93% of homesteads, learning institutions and workplaces to the high-speed optical fiber network. Additionally, the NBN plans to connect urban and regional towns located in Australia with high-speed internet connection in the next 10 years [4]. Today, the NBN is measured to the largest government-backed broadband connectivity access expansion program that is in Australia. Nevertheless, there is no other recent well-documented government legislation or executive initiative in Australia that has recently been involved in promoting the spread of internet connectivity among citizens in the nation.

"Digital-Divide" Within Australia

The phrase "digital-divide" characterizes a situation where certain demographics are faced with the problem of accessing mainstream ICT infrastructure. In Australia, the National Broadband Network has employed substantial efforts to ensure that every homestead has an internet connection. Nevertheless, the number of persons using the internet in Australia has not changed. Also, this occurrence has been recorded based on the parameters of digital inequality in Australia that include age, education, income as well as geographical location [5]. Ultimately, the "have not" in reference to digital divide are those populations that are less likely to benefit from and access internet connection in Australia.

Countries That Have the Lowest Broadband

There is a high disparity in internet prices between different nations around the world. The top three nations that have the lowest broadband connection and broadband rates include Iran, Ukraine and Russian Federation. The cost of broadband access in Iran is $5.37, Ukraine $5.51 and Russian Federation $9.93 [6]. In addition, the general pattern that can be evidenced in this case is that all the three nations are poor. As such, the low rates of broadband can be explained by citing that such poor nations have a large population of deprived persons. Furthermore, such people cannot afford the monthly cost of paying premium packages for high-speed internet connection access.

Benefits Associated With High Broadband Access Connections

Today, internet users prefer to have high-speed internet because it makes the provision and issue of services convenient, which subsequently improves their lives. In addition, the current demand for high-speed broadband access has significantly increased, due to the competitive pricing offered for such high-speed internet packages. In commercial centers, internet today is mainly used for video and audio conferencing and transfer of bulk digital data over the internet [7]. Contrary, at home, high-speed internet is demanded for media streaming, social networking and for online transactions like ordering food delivery among others. Also, in the domestic context, high-speed internet is used for online education and online freelance job.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the internet has become part and parcel of the regular domestic and commercial operations in numerous parts of the world and this has significantly increased the demand for high broadband access. Also, the national broadband infrastructure initiatives have immensely helped the global population in attaining access to good internet connectivity. Moreover, examples of such initiatives include the National Broadband Plan in the United States, the Australian National Broadband initiative, Japan's National Broadband Initiative and Europe's National Broadband Plan (NBP). Furthermore, since its implementation, the NBN has labored to provide homesteads, learning institutions, and workplaces with a high-speed optical fiber network. In addition, "digital divide" refers to a situation where certain demographics are faced with the problem of accessing mainstream ICT infrastructure in Australia. Also, the top three nations that have the lowest broadband connection and broadband rates include Iran, Ukraine and Russian Federation. Ultimately, people require a high-speed internet connection for media streaming, social networking and for online transactions like ordering food delivery among others. Also, in the domestic context, high-speed internet is used for online education and online freelance job.

References

Kruger, L. G. (2010). National Broadband Plan. Collingdale: DIANE Publishing.

MPHPT. (2001). National Broadband Initiative. Retrieved from MPHPT Communication News: http://www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/joho_tsusin/eng/Releases/NewsLetter/Vol12/Vol12_16.html#1

Burke-Kennedy, E. (2018). EUR500m in European funding for National Broadband Plan. Retrieved from The Irish Times: https://www.irishtimes.com/business/technology/500m-in-european-funding-for-national-broadband-plan-1.3461051

Budde. (2018). Australia - The National Broadband Network - Moving into 2018. Retrieved from Budde: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Australia-The-National-Broadband-Network-Moving-into-2018

Lam, M. (2018). Australia's Digital Divide Is Not Going Away. Retrieved from The Conversation: http://theconversation.com/australias-digital-divide-is-not-going-away-91834

McCarthy, N. (2017). The Most And Least Expensive Countries For Broadband [Infographic]. Retrieved from Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmccarthy/2017/11/22/the-most-and-least-expensive-countries-for-broadband-infographic/#3a90095a23ef

Allen, M., & Allen, M. W. (2011). Michael Allen's 2012 E-Learning Annual, Volume 1; Volume 57. New York: John Wiley & Sons.