Capability 1.3.2.1

Broadband Capacity

Definition

National internet bandwidth and latency performance, supporting connectivity between data centres, research institutions and end users.

Examples

National broadband and fibre networks with high-speed enterprise access (e.g. NBN, AARnet (research network)).

Indicators

Average fixed broadband speed (Mbps)
Latency (ms) between major cities
Network reliability, redundancy and uptime

National AI Plan

PLAN COMMITMENT

Significant commitment

References (without dollar figures) the government's existing investments in upgrading the NBN to support adoption of AI, emphasising digital connectivity is the backbone for AI development and adoption (see Action 1). That is, the $3 billion NBN expansion announced in January 2025 by the Prime Minister. Significant commitment by government in the plan exceeds the recommendation to maintain and monitor, by coordinating existing commitments to sustain this enabling infrastructure.

Stocktake

Measuring Broadband Australia program. Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. September 2025. https://www.accc.gov.au/by-industry/telecommunications-and-internet/telecommunications-monitoring/measuring-broadband-australia-program/latest-performance-report
Broadband Performance Data. Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Updated April 2026. Accessed October 2025. https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/telecommunications-and-internet/broadband-performance-data
2024 Regional Telecommunications Review: Connecting Communities, Reaching Every Region. Regional Telecommunications Review. 16 December 2024. https://www.rtirc.gov.au/
Towards Ubiquitous Connectivity in Australia. Jay Guo, Li and Oppermann. Connectivity Innovation Network White Paper. 17 April 2024. https://www.connectivityinnovationnetwork.com/CIN_TowardsUbiquitousConnectivity.pdf
Australian Telecommunications Sector Resilience Profile. Curtis, Harpley, Weaver, Hawkins and Jackson. Tech Policy Design Centre, Australian National University. September 2024. https://techpolicy.au/telecommunications_sector

Is the Stocktake missing evidence?

Share additional information for potential future Assessments