CHAIR —I declare open this public hearing. The inquiry was referred to the committee by Minister Albanese on 16 November last year. To date we have received 205 submissions and we expect more over the coming weeks. This inquiry has a different focus to other NBN inquiries that have occurred in the past, are underway presently or will commence shortly. While those inquiries have focused primarily on technical matters, either to do with the design of the NBN or the corporate plans and governance of the NBN Co., this inquiry is focused on how the NBN will be utilised across Australia. As is evident from the inquiry’s terms of reference, the committee has a broad range of areas to investigate, including the capacity of the NBN to contribute to health, education, business efficiencies and regional development. While the inquiry is less technically focused than others, dot point (i) in the terms of reference requires the committee to consider the optimal capacity and technological requirements for the NBN to deliver benefits in the other areas of focus.

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