Productivity Commission to make recommendations on mobile broadband

The Productivity Commission has been tasked with undertaking a cost-benefit analysis of the best way to deliver a mobile broadband capability for public safety agencies.

The government will ask the Productivity Commission to undertake a ‘first principles’ analysis of the most efficient and effective way of delivering the capability by 2020, including the most cost-effective combination of private and public inputs, services and expertise.

In a press release, the Department of Communications said, “The Commonwealth, State and Territory governments all recognise the potential benefits of an effective national public safety mobile broadband (PSMB) capability for agencies such as police, fire and ambulance services. A mobile broadband capability for public safety agencies would allow for an improved response to emergency events and enable better communication within and between jurisdictions.”

It is expected that the cost-benefit analysis will draw on the work undertaken to date by the Commonwealth, state and territory governments through the Council of Australian Governments and will include close consultation with industry.

The department will soon write to its state and territory counterparts seeking their input on the draft Terms of Reference.

The commission will consult broadly with government and non-government stakeholders following receipt of the Terms of Reference.