Present: Pauline McGowan (National Library), Elaine McDonald (CIH), Rob Berg (SPINZ), Pam Martin (Kiwi Computer Challenge), Sarah Putt (Action Media), Di Das (CIH), Russell O’Brien (Vector Communications), Judge Harvey, Jordan Carter (InternetNZ), Georgina Wilkinson (SAFE), Ann Hatherly (CORE-Ed) Sean Lyons, Martin Cocker, Caroline McNeill, Nancy Groh, John Fenaughty, Chris Hails (NetSafe). Wgtn: Paul McKitrick (dnc), Maureen Condliffe (Catholic Education Office).

Martin Cocker Executive Director NetSafe
Martin opened the session and outlined the topic
“What effect will Super Fast Broadband (SFB) have on safety and security?
What difference with SFB make to New Zealanders?”

Jordan Carter, Internet NZ
Jordan started with some definitions used and the differences between ‘fibre to the node’ and ‘fibre to the premises’. He also highlighted that fibre has no physical constraints.
What is NZ doing? This is the first time a national network infrastructure rollout has been spearheaded by the private sector. He defined some work already underway in high speed local networks. Overall speed for New Zealanders has to be viewed in relation to the capacity of international networks i.e. Southern Cross pipeline. Jordon also outlined a variety of potential uses.

Russell O’Brien, Vector
Russell reiterated the Government’s commitment to a national fibre network by way of $1.5billion. He sees a national SFB ‘ fibre to the door’ network as the way for NZ to:
• diversify beyond tourism and agriculture
• create new industry and become exporters of content.
Vector has a campaign to ‘ do it properly’ and ensure that Auckland does not lose out. Vector is currently running a TV, radio, mail and bus sign campaign to raise awareness. Feedback has been tremendous. Vector sees this infrastructure as economic transformation.

Judge Harvey provided an example of the ‘Justice Network’ facilitated by video conferencing now operating in Australia. Cost of buildings could be eliminated or reduced.

Several attendees mentioned the difficulty of trying to prove the benefit of the concept when it is likely some of these benefits cannot be identified or quantified. It is not possible to know what some of the benefits are likely to be.

Di Das, Computers in Homes (CIH)
Di outlined the CIH programme and one of its challenges… proving it can make a difference before funding is available. CIH programme deals with some communities that have no access, and no connectivity. Families have limited funds to pay for dial up. What will the cost of SFB be to the consumer? Many can be left behind because of costs. The cost of tech support to these communities is also high.

Di showed a map (created from latest census data) that showed levels of computer access in NZ. Far North and East Coast with very low numbers. Di also mentioned the effective use of a high speed video conference network by the Kelston Deaf Education Network.

Martin facilitated some discussion about how SFB might enable new activities. He encouraged attendees to consider security and challenges and how they might be different with SFB.
Next Spotlight Wed 26 May 5pm