genericmicrobe, I don't think any one item by itself is necessarily a compelling argument, but the argument for the NBN is based on more than just any one single item.
A bit like trying to justify buying a car because you need to go and buy milk a couple of times a week. It wouldn't make sense the expense of buying a car just to go and buy milk. But considering a collection of uses and reasons (school run, doctor visits, etc.)for the purchase of a car, then the argument becomes stronger.
The NBN argument has now change and is more about what version of NBN. The Libs or Labs version? Spend $7.5b more or less? Do a stepping stone construction that requires upgrading in a very short period of time? Or spend the extra $7.5b and build the full version straight up that does not need upgrading for 50 or 60 years?
Just a note for those that use the argument the NBN is a glorified TV. Media is a commercial product the same as any other product, and as such it still brings commercial and economic benefits to Australia.
