We have been reading recently of the lonely death of seniors where not a soul made any effort to find out why they were not around. Many months later, they were found dead. [The Salvation Army is acutely aware of this sad matter, and offer a free daily telephone call service].

Another aspect of this isolation problem, [that increasingly comes both with age, due to lessened mobility and more, and equally importantly, ageism], is the need we all have for socialisation with others.

I think that the computer and broadband together, have an increasing and valuable role to play in the reduction of mental problems bought about by physical isolation. Access to affordable broadband is an essential element of such data rich, (video and image) communications.

These days highly personal interactive audio visual contact is close to free and increasingly easier to effect, (a $40 webcam and Skype), and forums and chat rooms can provide us with as sense of identity and personal worth, as we put our opinions up on line and see the reactions. These technologies help us to feel a recognised individual part of a tangible new community.

I believe that it would be in the nations interest to look seriously at $10 a month unlimited broadband for pensioners and the disabled.