‘Speed up’ for NBN, city told

By John Van Klaveren
GEELONG must be more decisive to cash in on its early rollout of the national broadband network, according to a former Telstra executive.
John Stanhope took the lead role in negotiating Telstra’s agreement with Federal Government and network supplier NBN Co.
Mr Stanhope said Geelong must shake off its traditional slowness in making a decision to capitalise on the information technology revolution.
Geelong’s inclusion in the next round of rollouts gave it a “head start on other parts of the country”, he said.
“But decisions need to be made quickly. Having lived in Geelong, a place that’s still close to my heart, I know that decisions in the past have taken too long.
“Survival in a transitioning economy means quicker decisions are needed.”
Mr Stanhope said early inclusion in the rollout would provide Geelong with increased productivity opportunities.
“Geelong would benefit immediately from the stage one efficiencies but more importantly will be the developments down the line.
“Applications that have not even been thought of yet will be developed as the speed the NBN provides becomes widespread.
“Some of Geelong’s road and rail infra’ problems may be overcome by high speed broadband.”
Mr Stanhope said Geelong should seek to establish a hub of businesses utilising high-speed broadband.
“That will help attract businesses aiming to leverage from the NBN, particularly in growth areas.
“But it can take a long time to crank up, so Geelong needs to get its entrepreneurs going to attract those industries and get employment to the area.”
Mr Stanhope had senior positions at Telstra including chief financial officer and finance group managing director. He was also an executive director of Telstra Board until his retirement last year.