Many look forward to our digital futures being centred on High Definition video downloads, social networking and on-line gaming.  Others see much wider societal benefits.  New initiatives in e-Health and e-Education are two areas set to have a significant impact in our lives.  These government-led initiatives drive taxpayer investment in urban and rural broadband programs, forcing New Zealanders to be more than passive participants in the ultra-fast digital economy.

Developing a culture of use of the new technologies is key to ensuring a return on the broadband investment.  Last week, Rural Connect explored e-Government, an area where the government is directly encouraging our day to day use of the Internet.  This week we look at e-Health, another area that the government have a strategic interest in.

A phrase from the movie Field of Dreams has been used in our Ultra Fast Broadband debate as a justification for the $1.5Bn investment.   “Build it and they will come.”  I am not aware of ICT Minister Steven Joyce using that justification - he does not need to because he and his fellow Ministers have direct influence over how the fibre networks get used.

Personal computers, 'smart' mobile phones and the Internet are rapidly changing the way of life for an increasing number of New Zealanders.  Whether or not we each like the way technology is changing our society, it is now an inescapable conclusion that the always-on, mobile, digital economy is here now and we choose to get involved with it or we choose to get left behind.