High Speed Broadband refers to a broadband connection that is faster than traditional broadband speeds of 256kbps and many times faster than dial-up internet connections of 56kbps.  The government's goal is that "...80% of rural addresses will have access to broadband with speeds of at least 5Mbps, with the remainder to achieve speeds of at least 1Mbps within 6 years."

Broadband connections at these speeds enable technologies such as video and music downloads, social network and photo sharing applications that have social benefits.  Connections for these purposes will provide a customer base for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Local Fibre Companies to build a business case for the provision of high speed rural broadband infrastructure, so enabling the provision of business and community services which, without that wide customer base, may not be otherwise justifiable.

The economic benefits of high speed broadband include increased business efficiency and productivity,