I am not saying that all is rosy and well with NZ communications - internet, mobile, etc. It does interest me that there is constant focus in the media on things like NZ's broadband standing and the price of landline to mobile calls. After having a look at the OECD website myself it seems to me that the government is using the state of NZ comms to deflect attention from the real issues.

Seriously how important are things like broadband and our standing in the OECD when we have things like the highest interest rates and some of the lowest wages in the OECD? We are also up there for violent crime and suicide. Not something to be proud of.

Surely broadband adoption is linked with low wages meaning that people will prioritise their spending and broadband is probably seen as a luxury. The government could and probably will regulate broadband pricing at some stage, apparently their goal is broadband for '$1 p/day'. But is that enough? After all it is still $30 p/month.

Given that NZ is small and only a limited market with relatively low discretionary spending doesn't the government run the risk of discouraging investment in alternative broadband technologies by companies other than the big 3 Telcos? After all if there is no return why would you invest?

As Geeks we want fast internet, big or unlimited caps and we want it cheap. But seriously does the average Joe Consumer really care?