Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull has thrown his support behind the Internet of Things (IoT), spruiking the potential of the technology to deliver huge efficiencies for cities and generate revenue.
For example, he said that NICTA researchers have developed an advanced failure prediction tool for water pipes. The tool can predict water pipes that are most likely to fail so that they can be replaced. This is taking an active rather than reactive approach to city maintenance.
“This is a time for everyone to be imaginative; treat all this [IoT] disruption as a tonic,” he said.
Turnbull said that 1 billion IoT devices will be shipped in 2015 and associated IoT services will be worth approximately US$7 billion this year.
The IoT industry could be worth $6.2 trillion by 2025, he added.
Mobile broadband
Turnbull said the government is working with ACMA and the Communications Alliance on a cost benefit analysis into spectrum for emergency services. The analysis will look at the best ways to provide more mobile broadband to public safety agencies by 2020.
“The growing intelligence built into wireless networks means it is difficult to see how anyone in government could replicate the density of the telco networks. These wireless networks are going to become denser and there will be more base stations,” said Turnbull.
Turnbull also spoke about the federal government’s Digital Transformation Office (DTO). The DTO has been given the job of developing and co-ordinating digitally delivered government services.
“Governments collect lots of data so we have established a DTO to provide insights. It is all about improving the way that government provides services. We need to move beyond the siloed approach and have common platforms rather than agencies developing their own bespoke solution.”
Turnbull said that engagement on digital platforms is much cheaper and more fun for customers.
He added that the myGov system is being made available to state and local governments.
myGov was launched in 2014 and lets Australians access government services online.
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