The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) think tank from the States has compiled a report ranking 30 countries broadband offerings by a composite measure based on three indicators: household broadband penetration, average speed weighted by percentage of subscribership (Mbps), and lowest available price per Mbps.
The graph is interesting reading, it shows that New Zealand is relatively close to Australia, the UK and the USA on a composite score and ahead of what is held up as a Hi-tech success story, Ireland. Could it be that Ireland has got maximum utilisation out of the connectivity is has available to it (not to mention the EU money it has available to it), and if this is the case perhaps New Zealand’s economic growth to internet service ration is the real issue? ie we’re not using the connectivity we have for the right things?
It’s a contentious topic, even more so given that it’s an election year – but once again it begs the (mis)quote;
Ben Kepes is an analyst, an entrepreneur, a commentator and a business adviser. His business interests include a diverse range of industries from manufacturing to property to technology. As a technology commentator he has a broad presence both in the traditional media and extensively online. Ben covers the convergance of technology, mobile, ubiquity and agility, all enabled by the Cloud. His areas of interest extend to enterprise software, software integration, financial/accounting software, platforms and infrastructure as well as articulating technology simply for everyday users. 
Makes for some fascinating reading.
1) the myth that our BB is slow compared with other countries – especially AU – gone. If you removed those nations with high population densities and government funded networks (KOREA), that average speed drops significantly
2) Broadband is expensive ha ha ha check out the mexico numbers. Says to me that if NZer’s want faster BB they need to be prepared to pay for it (3 x what they currently pay), should challenge the Scottish in us
This analysis proves the point around Scale I tried to make a while back http://unreasonablemen.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=120&Itemid=42
what? Average download speeds of 2.5mb/s? Ah… where? When? I have telstra cable, which afaik is the fastest available, 20mb/s theoretical download. Now I get close sometimes, but… its not all the time.
As for everyone on telecoms mighty slim broadband…? I imagine theyd love 300kb/s download. Call me mighty skeptical on those numbers.