Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Marshall for his ongoing interest in the good people of Victoria. The Rudd government is committed to building the infrastructure that will underpin the development of the digital economy. The switch to digital-only television is a crucial measure to support this objective. Spectrum currently used for broadcasting services is highly valued for delivering wireless communications services, including superfast mobile broadband. It is able to carry signals over long distances, penetrate buildings and carry large amounts of data. Once analog television signals have been completely switched off and the spectrum is subsequently cleared of other users, that spectrum will be released as a digital dividend. And releasing the digital dividend is a historic microeconomic reform. It presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve communications services in Australia. The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association has estimated a $10 million bonanza for the Australian economy— (Time expired)