Australia has traditionally been behind the rest of the world in terms of broadband Internet. Not only is the service there more expensive than in most places throughout the world but it’s also slower. However, the country aims to change all that by developing a new high-speed fiber-based broadband network that will bring minimum speeds of 12 Mbps to 98% of its residents. The country has requested bids from companies interested in building out the network and has offered to match over $4 billion in funds to make it happen. A decision on who will be building the project is expected to come within six months.