Communications Minister Stephen Conroy talks to CRN about life at home, his favourite technologies and his passion for sport.
CRN: How do you allocate bandwidth at home?
Senator Stephen Conroy: The biggest challenge is stopping my four-year-old downloading apps and running up the bill.
CRN: iPhone or BlackBerry?
SC: iPhone.
CRN: Who's on your speed dial?
SC: Eddie Maguire.
CRN: How about those Magpies!
SC: An era unfolds.
CRN: Where do you personally stand on free-to-air TV sport?
SC: I support iconic sporting events being available on free-to air-TV, particularly all Collingwood matches.
CRN: What's been the most important development in IT/communications in the past decade?
SC: The iPod, iPhone, iPad and iTunes store have proved you can monetise online commerce.
CRN: By how much will the NBN cut your flying?
SC: High definition video conferencing is already available and has assisted to cut down travel. The quality and availability of these services will increase substantially under the NBN and it will cut down the need for travel even more. The NBN will literally change way we live and work.
CRN: Some political foes are actually good mates. How well do you get along with the Member for Wentworth?
SC: I have a number of friends on all sides of politics. I have a great deal of respect for Malcolm Turnbull.
CRN: What's been your biggest achievement so far?
SC: The significance of passing the competition and consumer safeguards bill cannot be underestimated - it is the holy grail of reform in the telecommunications sector.
CRN: Biggest regret so far?
SC: My golf handicap is blowing out.
CRN: If you could have three wishes?
SC: 1. Ensure every Australian has access to affordable, high speed broadband as soon as possible so they can start enjoying the benefits it will bring. 2. Land a 360-degree jump on my snowboard. 3. Score a hole in one.
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