While the Internet is a wonderful means for finding information
on almost any topic, there is a sting in the tail caused when
its use becomes "mandatory" for e-government, e-commerce, e-health
etc. As soon as one buys or sells, casts a vote, requests personal
health information etc, there is a need to ensure that the person
is who they say they are, using identity management such as
biometric identifiers, credentials & the like. Any identifier,
token, credential or mark, once issued, is likely to be demanded
for transactions in the "off-line" world - air travel, welfare
and employment, access to health care, bank accounts etc.

Net plan for capital
Selina Mitchell
SEPTEMBER 20, 2005

CANBERRA could become the first Australian city to provide its
population with digital network access anywhere and anytime across 
its CBD and suburbs.

The ACT government has confirmed that it is considering a trial, being
pushed by NEC, to make Canberra a "ubiquitous city".

The public service, schools, businesses, hospitals, houses, cars and
shops could all be connected by a range of networks and devices under
the scheme, which is still in early planning stages.

There are still no costing details after six to eight months of
discussions with NEC.

Treasurer and Economic Development Minister Ted Quinlan is helping to
search for companies interested in becoming a part of the trial, such
as broadband fibre-optic provider TransACT and wireless broadband
startup iBurst. 

It is understood a Canberra identity management organisation could be
involved in the trial project.

[...]

If the ACT government moves soon, the city could be a ubiquitous
network by 2010, they said.

Moving from convergence to ubiquity would require identity management,
and could reignite the Australia card debate, they said.

In Japan, many identity management technologies are used, including
smart cards such as loyalty cards, IC cards and biometric readers.

"To work, this needs to be embraced by all levels of government,
business and the community," Mr Purcell said.

Mr Quinlan said this could be a very exciting opportunity for the ACT.

"The ACT Government recognises that hi-tech communication is fast
becoming a competitive advantage and this project would enhance the
infrastructure already in place," he said.

"We are having some exploratory discussions with NEC on how a pilot
project may work and the benefits it would bring to Canberra in the
areas of e-learning, e-health and e-government." 


Source: "Australian IT"
australianit.news.com.au/articles/0,7204,16654191%5E15306%5E%5Enbv%5E,00.html


Cheers, Steve..

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