Queensland Shire unwired in huge WiFi project
Queensland Shire unwired in huge WiFi project
Sep 07, 2004: More than 8,000 small and medium businesses (SMBs) in Queensland’s Redland Shire now have access to what is believed to be the world’s first mobile-wireless business incubation model.
The Redland Business Incubator (RBA) is a wireless technology-enabled hub that will deliver business incubation services including: live mentoring; business advisory services such as export, marketing, taxation and legal advice; operations assistance such as reception services; and core modular business functions like human resources, finance, payroll, sales force automation, web presence and more.
Once completed, it’s believed the Shire-wide wireless network, including isolated areas such as Stradbroke Island in Moreton Bay, will be the largest single WiFi network anywhere in the world.
The network has been introduced following a survey by the Redland Shire Council Economic Development Group which showed that 90 percent of SMBs had identified the need for a business incubator and 80 percent expressed willingness to use the services.
With funding from Intel Australia and support from the Federal Government, its developers hope that this model will act as a blueprint for mobile-wireless business solutions within private and public sector organisations throughout Australia.
Small businesses within the Shire will have access to a range of business development services including built and virtual infrastructure, personnel and technology. For example, operators of new or existing SMBs will now be able to communicate with mentors via PC-based video conferencing and interactive integrated applications.
The incubation service will be made available on a subscription basis and will include wireless broadband Internet access.
“We researched traditional and primitive online incubators in Asia, the US and a portfolio of mobile-wireless business incubation services,” said Don Seccombe, Mayor of Redland Shire. “We recognised the potential of this solution early and have worked with government and industry to form a commercial entity to market and export the RBA solution throughout Australia and to governments and Chambers of Commerce throughout Asia Pacific. Through this model we will achieve dual goals of developing Australian SMEs and generating export revenue,” he added.
Federal Minister for Small Business and Tourism, Joe Hockey said: “I have been following the project with keen interest since the team first visited me in Parliament House. This project is a real demonstration of the power of technology and how it can help small business broaden their marketplace and grow."
As part of this model, wireless hotspots will be made available to SMBs and residents in public areas of the Shire.
Related Article: