Broadband will bring a new boom to the bush, with High-Definition Telepresence set to revolutionise services in regional and rural Australia, according to an independent expert.

Appearing before the Federal Government’s Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee, UK Community Regeneration expert Dr Tim Williams said that local councils must play a driving role to realise the full potential of broadband in the bush – with healthcare, education, and local businesses to benefit from next-generation connectivity.

“Local Councils have to get on board and plan now to bring the full benefits of broadband to the bush,” said Dr Williams, speaking to the committee on behalf of broadband technology company Huawei Australia.

“Technologies like High-Definition Telepresence will enable people in regional Australia to access new healthcare services and education opportunities, while local businesses will be able to work as if they were based in a major capital. It is imperative that local Councils get switched on to ensure rural and regional Australia sees the full benefits of high-speed broadband.”

Dr Williams and Huawei have been meeting local Councils across Australia to promote local leadership on broadband adoption. Dr Williams discovered the importance of local Councils using broadband to promote regional regeneration when preparing his White Paper report Connecting Communities: The impact of broadband on communities in the UK and its implications for Australia.