Support for NBN slipping, but holding on

New polling figures point to 50% of Australians being in support of Labor's current NBN roll-out, but this number is down from a year ago.

Figures collected by Essential Media indicate that while half of Australia wants Labor to forge ahead with the NBN, 15% would prefer a different plan and 14% would like to see the network dumped altogether. Still, it is Labor's 2nd most popular initiative after the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The support for the NBN is waning, according to Essential Media's research. This time last year, a similar poll counted 57% of Australians in support of the broadband network.

Of course, a lot has happened in the 12-months between polls, including several reports about difficulties encountered by NBN Co in the roll-out, Labor Party unrest and the announcement of the Liberal Party's cheaper, slower NBN roll-out plan. In some ways it is incredible that 50% are still aligned with Labor's vision for fast internet.

Hopefully this momentum can hold coming up to the federal election later this year. Regardless of your political leanings, the NBN is an important infrastructure spend that the government needs to make. Like building electrical grid, waste and water transport, roads and bridges; the NBN is key to how we will live and work going forward.

While the Coalition's plan may be sufficient for now, there is a good chance a future government will need to spend big to replace all of the copper with fibre in the near future. May as well spend the money now.

Joseph Hanlon

Editorial Director | X | LinkedIn

Joe Hanlon has been immersed in mobile phones, plans and the internet for over a decade, having written for publications like CNET, Techradar, Gizmodo and Lifehacker. He steers the editorial ship and makes sure that we are always serving up the most useful guides and recommendations. If you ever bump into Joe on the street, don't be afraid to ask for a phone recommendation. It's embarrassing how much he enjoys talking about this stuff. He also loves listening to podcasts, so feel free to email Joe with recommendations.

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