4. Online city
As an online city, Melbourne will have universal and dynamic online culture connecting its people to each other and to the world. A high percentage of people will access the internet via their choice of high -speed broadband providers and all will have access to the municipality's universal wireless internet connection.The next generation personal broadband wireless system will be a dynamic engine for 21st century economic prosperity, educational advancement and delivery of a wide variety of services. Broadband wireless technologies offer the possibility of low (or no) cost, high-speed wireless connectivity and internet access to local communities.
In global terms, Melbourne is a remote city and currently it's standing and role as a global city is vulnerable to the threat of permanent and steeply rising cost of international air travel. Maintaining and enhancing Melbourne's role as a global city and its desirability as a place to live, study and do business will depend on it having a workforce proficient online, underpinned by state-of-the-art telecommunications infrastructure. This is critical to the city's businesses trading in 'knowledge' and 'discovery' and operating in global markets such as finance, design, the internet and games developers.
A sophisticated and affordable high-speed broadband network is critical to maintaining Melbourne's educational and economic standing in a rapidly evolving global socio-economic environment. An online city enables a richer and more interactive life for all. Wireless networks can deliver reliable connectivity at a fraction of current costs, meaning people from all walks of life should be able to afford access.
High capacity internet connectivity is critical for research institutions with super computers and data centres that transfer large volumes of data between research facilities. Wireless networks should act as innovation platforms, using open standards and mesh nodes to optimise interoperability and enable continued enhancements and invention. Symmetrical connectivity is necessary to equally support content creation (uploading) and content consumption (downloading). These new infrastructures engender new modes of knowledge development and Melbourne needs to be at the forefront of building the virtual city capacity.
Networks should not only provide internet access but also support robust local and peer to peer traffic, the next generation internet protocol (IPv6), and location awareness to leverage new social and economic benefits. In the future, for example, sensor networks may continually collect data on pollution and climate that in turn inform traffic congestion, pricing, energy and water services and evidence-based decisions and policy making.
A municipality-wide wireless network will enable governmental efficiencies, enhanced corporate productivity, educational excellence and a competitive environment capable of providing affordable, high-speed internet access to all residents and visitors. Sophisticated communication technologies allow people to produce imaginative concepts and generate valuable returns.
| Goals | Indicators | Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| High-speed, high-capacity internet High-speed, high-capacity internet connectivity within the municipality and to the globe for business, education and research. |
Benchmark comparisons with other cities Target: indicator to be developed Current: indicator to be developed |
High-speed internet allowing access to quality data and information, social networks and economic information and connections for all Melburnians. |
| Universal wireless internet access Universal wireless internet access will be available throughout the municipality. |
Coverage of wireless/3G access within the municipality Target: indicator to be developed Current: indicator to be developed
|
Melbourne is a 'wired' municipality with free internet access in public buildings and cafes and public plazas and on trams. |
| Creative and innovative online culture A creative and innovative online urban culture is developed out of the universal internet connectivity in combination with City of Melbourne supported initiatives. |
Proportion of Residences in the municipality with internet access.1. Target: 2020 - 100% Current: 2007 - 92% |
The cultivation, stimulation and promotion of web and digital literacy, cultural engagement, knowledge access and exchange. |
| Internet access for disadvantaged communities Internet access for disadvantaged communities in the municipality and competency in computing use and equipment. |
Proportion of households in the municipality with a gross income of $650 or less with internet access. 2 Target: 100 per cent Current: 2008 - 24 per cent |
The municipality's lower socio-economic households have affordable internet access, supported by training programs. |
See also
- Broadband for Boston (2006) Wireless in Boston - Wireless Taskforce Report
- Examples of Educational Programs TechBoston Academy Machine Science Labs and South End Technology Center
- Best, J. (2008) Upwardly Mobile
- Fobes.com (2008) Atlanta is the most wired city in the US
References
1 : Community Indicators Victoria (2007) Melbourne Wellbeing Report 2 : ABS (2006) Gross Household Income (weekly) by Type of Internet Connection - Melbourne| S2G4Knowledge | ||
| 3. Learning city |  navigate  |
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