Leading technology expert – and the gadget guy in GadgetGuy.com.au – Peter Blasina has been handpicked to be one of twelve champions of the National Broadband Network (NBN). The selection was welcomed by Peter who, with more than 25 years experience in the technology sector, is recognised as one of Australia’s foremost commentators and analysts on technology developments.
An early supporter of fibre optic cable as the best way to deliver fast broadband to Australian households, Blasina says: “It’s absolutely the right technology approach, now and into the foreseeable future. It is a necessary infrastructure build for the whole country and the basis for all Australian businesses to be competitive locally, nationally and internationally; it will provide a springboard for innovation and if we didn’t build it for future generations our children would never forgive us.”
Selected by the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (DBCDE) to communicate the benefits of the $36 billion fibre network, others in the group of high profile Australians include High Court judge Michael Kirby, Tim Flannery, CSIRO scientist and ABC television personality James Bradfield Moody, Planet Ark founder John Dee, Westpac’s chief technology officer, Sarv Girn; and Karen Tully from the Foundation for Australian Agricultural Women.
A regular face on the Channel 7 Sunrise, Morning Show and Kochie’s Business Builders programs, and an ambassador for Telstra’s national Connected Seniors program, Pete will be talking about the NBN to small business.
Peter has communicated with business for many years, championing the uptake of technology in the business sector. He was the co-founder and publisher of Dynamic Small Business magazine until 1999. He was the technology reporter for Channel 9’s Business Sunday and the Small Business Show for six years, he has been called on as a technology correspondent on ABC Radio for over 25 years and regularly addresses conference groups about how technology will impact their operations and business.
“To date, the NBN really hasn’t been well explained to Australians and Australian business,” Peter says. The industry really hasn’t communicated well enough the innovation potential it can deliver, or the fact that it is an essential stepping stone for the country’s future growth and prosperity.
“I’m excited by the offer from the DBCDE of the opportunity to take this message to business and the Australian community at large. In my view you can’t have a vision about Australia’s future without it being integrated to the NBN.”
The ‘Gadget Guy’ will also be working with small to medium businesses (SMEs) and consumers on ways to operate securely online as part of his role as the National Campaign Ambassador for Cyber Safety Awareness Week from 30 May.
A DBCDE initiative, Peter will be leading a week-long program of activities designed to equip SMEs and consumers with a better understanding of the benefits of good cyber security practices in homes and businesses, and to encourage people to take up appropriate cyber security practices.
