For all the cost-saving potential of the internet age, it seems there's still nothing quite like getting on a plane and travelling there - wherever there is.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Unfortunately, that detail remains shrouded in mystery when it comes to the NBN.
Despite the vast savings in time and money we are told can be gained from video-conferencing and from such broadband innovations as virtual inspection tours, the company building the infrastructure designed to facilitate these exciting e-commerce opportunities has spent a staggering $1.54 million on international air travel since the Coalition came to power. That's airfares alone, not accommodation, just travel; and just international travel at that.
In an answer to a question on notice, submitted to the Senate standing committee on environment and communications, which had sought details of all travel undertaken by NBN employees, the company advised: "International flight costs for the period 8 September 2013 to 29 January 2016 have amounted to $1,540,016."
That sizeable sum came out in an answer that otherwise fell significantly short of the detail asked for by Labor senator Anne Urquhart. She had requested the specific details and the overall company bill for overseas accommodation and incidentals as well.
NBN Co said such itemisation of other expenses was far too costly to supply, but did offer some additional information. "The reasons for international travel are varied and include meeting with overseas suppliers and investigating technology developments," it said. "Additionally, a significant proportion of international travel has also been related to the long-term satellite program, which involved the launch of Sky Muster from French Guiana and ongoing collaboration with a number of international partners."
What felt like bureaucratic indifference to the opposition probe, was probably just buffering.
In the company's defence, it is buying fast-changing technology from around the world, and does have plans for a second satellite after the successful launch of its first in October. So a significant amount of travel is required.
Consider, for example, that both the satellite – which is now available for commercial business after months of testing – and the rocket that propelled it into orbit were developed and constructed in Southern California.
Also included in NBN Co's answer to Senator Urquhart was this assurance: "NBN has a formal travel and expense reimbursement policy and approval process which requires travellers to seek approval prior to booking hotels, cars & air travel. The reason for the travel is required to be provided to the travel approver. To provide a breakdown of each individual trip is an unreasonable diversion of resources."
Presumably, there will come a time when even the NBN will be able to do more of its international liaison work via the net. No buffering.
