Opportunities for business in a broadband-enabled world

Australia is investing in one of its largest ever infrastructure initiatives which will provide national broadband connectivity.

While national broadband connectivity creates an environment for immense opportunity, it also exposes organisations, management and potentially entire industries and community sectors to risks.

Superfast broadband opens the door to a range of high value yet disruptive technologies, new service platforms and business models, issues with intellectual property and previously unseen talent and skill requirements. This will markedly alter how organisations do business, employ staff, retain customers and make money.

Positioning organisations within this environment is a game for the informed, intuitive, fit and nimble who are willing to think ahead and place themselves where the play is heading.

Waiting to determine when to act and how, is no longer an option. Organisations need to have a comprehensive understanding of the changes that will be derived by national broadband connectivity and to keep diligent in watching market conditions to determine when to invest.

Acting too early could disrupt traditional revenue streams, however, acting too late could mean that the market has moved and organisations are left fighting for survival.

In order for Australian businesses to plan for and adapt to these changes, they will do well to answer the following questions :

• What is our understanding of this emerging post-broadband, new service and disruptive technology driven environment?
• What impact will this have on our current value proposition, service platform, business model, IP, risk register and talent base?
• How will we maintain competitive advantage in a globally exposed market?

I would be keen to hear your answers to any of these questions. Please add your comments.