Over the past decade the rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN), the deployment of extensive 4G and 5G mobile networks, and the emergence of Low Earth Orbit satellites have increased access to high-speed broadband services right across Australia. The rapid change in broadband has seen households and firms take up internet services that are faster and of a much higher quality than ever before.
The Bureau of Communications Arts and Regional Research (BCARR) undertakes research projects to examine the economic and productivity benefits from improved broadband in Australia.
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2024
Recent analysis has explored the potential economic impacts of increased connectivity from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites for the agriculture and mining sectors.
LEO satellites are an emerging technology that will provide faster and more reliable communications for users outside of fixed and mobile broadband coverage, particularly those in remote and rural areas, promoting a range of economic and social benefits.
The report shows that Australia is an attractive market for LEO satellites.
Australia’s agriculture and mining sectors have significant presence in regional areas and could leverage increased connectivity from LEO satellites for the increased adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) and other digital technologies. The increased use of these technologies could provide these sectors with improved productivity in their operations as well as health and environmental benefits
2023
This research explores the link between broadband and productivity growth at the individual business (or firm) level. It shows that there is generally a positive relationship between businesses switching from DSL to fibre/cable-based broadband and improvements to their productivity. This relationship is strongest in the year immediately after switching to high-speed broadband. More generally, the study finds that high speed broadband tends to have a positive relationship with productivity growth.
- Productivity impacts from improved broadband—Report
- Productivity impacts from improved broadband—Visual Summary
- Supplementary analysis—Telecommunications Services and Productivity
2021
In 2021 the BCARR published research looking at the economic impact of widespread high-speed broadband for particular sectors, focussing on the agriculture sector.