TYNONG (AAP)

More Australians will have access to a broadband internet connection under a new plan announced on Wednesday, the federal government says.

Under the Australian Broadband Guarantee the government will commit almost $163 million to provide subsidised internet access for Australians currently unable to gain a reasonable access to broadband services.

Communications Minister Helen Coonan said the program would provide universal broadband for all Australians.

"Anyone unable to gain a reasonable level of broadband service at their principal place of residence or small business will receive a subsidised broadband service," she told reporters at Tynong, south-east of Melbourne.

Under the plan, telecommunications companies would be given financial incentives to roll out broadband internet services in rural and outer metropolitan areas.

Joining Senator Coonan at the launch of the guarantee, Prime Minister John Howard said Australia would become one of the few countries in the world to ensure an affordable broadband service to all households and small businesses.

"Australia has the second highest take up of broadband in the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) area," Mr Howard said.

"There are nonetheless some gaps - black spots - where for a combination of reasons people can't access broadband.

"What this is going to do is help people in places like Belgrave on the outer reaches of Melbourne, Burbank in Brisbane, Stirling in Perth and Elizabeth in Adelaide."

Senator Coonan said the first phase of the guarantee would run until June 2008.
07/03/2007 03:18:50 PM