Broadband going bush at last
Broadband going bush at last
The inhabitants of regional New South Wales seem set to finally be afforded the opportunity to get broadband Internet access at a level of penetration closer to their city dwelling counterparts, thanks to a State Government initiative.
The State Government is inviting private sector proposals to create a Government Broadband Service, with NSW Minister for Commerce, John Della Bosca having released a Request for Proposals, aimed at telecommunications companies that could assist the Government in establishing a new broadband network.
"The NSW Government wants the telecommunications industry to put forward innovative and competitive propositions to operate a broadband network that reaches population centres outside Sydney," said Della Bosca.
Della Bosca added that in addition to carrying the next generation of electronic and Internet services to people throughout NSW, the broadband service would support the improved delivery of State Government services.
Additionally, he said it will allow new telemedicine services giving patients access to the best expert advice, irrespective of geography, and support new education services where students can access a wide range of subjects and still enjoy face-to-face contact with specialist teachers through two-way video links.
"It will also give students and teachers a faster and more reliable internet connection, bringing data and images into the classroom," he added.
The proposed Broadband Network will include a high capacity backbone reaching 24 major population centres outside of Sydney with a number of service providers delivering enhanced local access connections.
All major NSW Government agencies will be connected to the service, which will potentially reach at least 2,000 regional hospitals, schools, libraries, courthouses, police stations and offices.
"The NSW Government is making its own fibre optic networks available for innovative industry proposals to help establish a high capacity network for regional customers," said Della Bosca.
"Surplus capacity on optic fibre networks developed for the management of the State's railways and electricity transmission will be made available to industry on a commercial basis.
"At present, there is very limited competition in broadband services for residents and businesses outside of Sydney, so there’s little incentive to improve services or provide competitive pricing. This initiative will help to change that for the benefit of regional communities and businesses," added Della Bosca.
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