Faced with too many people paying too much for too little broadband, the Australian government decided the infrastructure was too important to the public to be left vulnerable to market forces alone. So they are building a national broadband network (NBN) for which private-sector profit and the public good are equal objectives.  

Australia's NBN champion and senior cabinet leader Senator Stephen Conroy is our guest, discussing their network's origins, progress to date and lessons learned. There is much to be learned from Senator Conroy. He frequently advocates for an affordable broadband infrastructure consistent with his nation's culture of "The Fair Go."  Everyone deserves an equal opportunity to get ahead and to get on with the business of being a fully productive member of their community.

Nonprofits, community foundations and public private partnerships are increasingly core tactics for communities determined to get better broadband for local businesses and residents. Senator Conroy offers good insights to making these particular efforts winners while overcoming political opposition.