Congratulations Senator Stephen Conroy for recognising the importance of properly funding the ABC and SBS. Congratulations also for your statement that the ABC and SBS provide us "with an important community space, or 'virtual village square', which is an essential component of our democracy."
But please consider the digital divide when thinking about charging for downloads.
Computerbank Victoria provides recycled computers from fifteen dollars to people on a low income. Obtaining recycled hardware or free open source software is not a problem for us or our clients but gaining access to the Internet is.
Most of our clients can't afford the outrageous cost of broadband in Australia. Allowing the national
broadcasters to charge for downloads will just make the situation worse. It will be one more brick in the wall of the digital divide.
Jan Smith
Vice President
Computerbank Victoria
