Report on Ballarat Consumer Consultation Meeting, 25 February 2004
The meeting was held at the Trench Room, Ballarat Town Hall at 5:30 pm on 25 February 2004. Thanks to ISOC-AU directors George Fong and Peter Ziebell for organising the meeting. Participants were advised that this consultation process is supported by funding from the Department of Communications, IT and the Arts.
Usage of the Internet
The power of e-mail as a communications tool was agreed upon - its immediacy, for increased or additional communication between family members/friends, the range of age groups using it; but time management of e-mail was an issue.Now instant messaging, webcams/video conferencing becoming more prevalent as additional communications tools; especially as tools to enable participation without the need for costly travel.
Many who don't have home access are using the Net. Free Internet use in libraries is extremely popular, with queues commonplace.
Other uses that were considered valuable included: the ability to access research information (although one comment questioned the reliability or quality of much website information - another said that skills in information retrieval needed); the ability to access an organisation's network from home or on the road; a new learning challenge; online banking (although it was suggested that this increased isolation for some groups, as branches close); and education - the ability to expand children's horizons.
An academic pointed out the the importance of researchers being able to contribute to and learn from online discussions.
Local organisations such as libraries are excited about providing services to a wide range of people who do not have to visit the premises. Users are accessing services online. But what about smaller organisations that don't have the same resources?
One person noted that the Internet enables enhancement of real communities of interest (business, academic and social) that could not exist without the Internet.
Connectivity and Speed
Participants agreed there are issues with speed outside of the regional city.Libraries are using ADSL but that tends to slow under peak load, e.g. in the afternoon. Alternatives to ADSL are expensive.
There was interest in Telstra's ADSL demand register. Although there were questions about its promotion. Wholesale ADSL pricing different in regional areas, compared to metro. Business DSL is more costly in regional areas, choice of providers is limited.
Speed is important for many online applications. Especially those higher-bandwidth applications that are being used in the education and business sector. Current solutions are like band-aids.
Consider the cost of time spent online when speed is lacking. Need speed in the business environment especially and to be able to work from home.
But not to be confused with reliability. Some people may be happy with dial-up, but are frustrated by drop-outs. It's the complete package that really matters.
Other Issues
It goes without saying that spam is an annoyance. One person suggested it was ironic that some ISPs charged (i.e. downloads) for spam, and then offered a paid anti-spam service.Don't like: multitude of platforms that don't integrate and lack of standards. There was concern about accessibility.
Small business has a challenge in acquiring the skills necessary to benefit from the Internet with speed of technology innovation. Potential of e-commerce has not been realised.
Rural businesses benefiting from Internet, e.g. cropping information at the relevant season - online access delivers information immediately.
Business also has to adjust to changes in technology - a cost. But it was considered important that business engage in more intensive information exchange.
The Internet allows smaller corporate locations to link more effectively to head offices or overseas. It also allows IT businesses to reach customers direct with digital products.
Interest was expressed in emerging mass-market technologies like IP
telephony.
Adam Creed
Director ISOC-AU
25 February 2004