Labor's plan for a high-speed fibre to the premises network was ambitious and costly - as it turned out even costlier than it was originally envisaged.

The Coalition's preference for a fibre to the node network was slated as being cheaper. However, the plan to use existing cables meant it failed to provide the infrastructure Australia needs. Not only this, but it was also increasingly costly and has become one of the Abbott-Turnbull government's most unpopular decisions.

High-speed internet is crucial for future economic growth. It is crucial for improvements in education and healthcare. Good infrastructure should be seen as a sound investment not merely a budget cost.

Yet Australia is being dealt out what seems to be a second-rate broadband system.

Not only that, but the rollout has been delayed again and again. The broadband network rollout map illustrates a majority of Canberrans still don't have access to the network.

Purple spots in the city centre and far north highlight those areas connected to broadband. Comparatively on the south side of the lake, a relatively small section of Kambah glowing green shows build preparation is underway. Only about one-third of households and businesses in the ACT are connected.

Meanwhile in Queanbeyan, the heart of former bellwether electorate Eden-Monaro, the entire city and outskirts are painted purple - all able to access higher speeds of internet.

The NBN Co says 3.6 million people are connected to the NBN, and it hopes to connect 4.4 million more within three years.