For all the cost-saving potential of the internet age, it seems there's still nothing quite like getting on a plane and travelling there - wherever there is.

Unfortunately, that detail remains shrouded in mystery when it comes to the NBN.

Despite the vast savings in time and money we are told can be gained from video-conferencing and from such broadband innovations as virtual inspection tours, the company building the infrastructure designed to facilitate these exciting e-commerce opportunities has spent a staggering $1.54 million on international air travel since the Coalition came to power. That's airfares alone, not accommodation, just travel; and just international travel at that.

In an answer to a question on notice, submitted to the Senate standing committee on environment and communications, which had sought details of all travel undertaken by NBN employees, the company advised: "International flight costs for the period 8 September 2013 to 29 January 2016 have amounted to $1,540,016."