Motives and means for public investment in nationwide next generation networks

There is now strong interest among governments in allocating public funds for the purpose of promoting investment in very high speed broadband. Motives include industrial policy, and the attainment of equity objectives and of economic recovery. The paper examines the various dimensions of choice over where and how to intervene. It also considers three nationwide broadband plans in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, in each of which industrial policy appears to be the major objective, combined with equity goals. Particular attention is paid to the resolution of problems related to the incumbents’ legacy assets.