Online communication is rapidly replacing the tried and true methods of telephone calls, fax machines, written letters, and even good old-fashioned talking to somebody (gasp! say the kids).

Broadband Internet has been labelled the “fourth utility” behind electricity, gas, and water by Minister for Broadband, Stephen Conroy, and others worldwide.

At the very least, it is fast, efficient communication; and who can afford not to do business in a matter of seconds?

The more completely new options are video conferencing, digital classrooms, and a plethora of health applications such as online consultations – only imagination limits what this technology will eventually be capable of.

Leading communications analyst, Paul Budde, who runs a consulting agency from the Hunter Valley, believes health will be the number one beneficiary of a nation-wide broadband network.

A high-speed connection would allow hospital patients or the elderly to be monitored from home, provide remote communities with access to leading specialists for consultation, and save on travel for a GP visit.

Read the full story in this week's The Land.