Regional Development Australia (RDA) – Illawarra welcomed the announcement by the federal government to invest $4.5 billion in NBN to deliver ultra-fast broadband connections over the next 3 years.
Daniel Rowan is both an RDA Illawarra board member, and managing director of Internetrix, an award-winning Australian data and technology company that works on the forefront of innovation. Daniel said “the Illawarra Region has been included in the launch of new zoning and pricing for the NBN Co's Enterprise Ethernet product (EE). This means the Illawarra will not only gain free fibre installation, but also have access to NBN Co’s Enterprise Ethernet in the region at CBD pricing.”
Kiama was one of the first areas to have superfast fibre to the premise in 2011, however other areas of the Illawarra are lagging. There are some areas where fibre is ‘patchy’ or using old redundant copper lines for NBN connectivity. Fibre to the Premise is needed across the Illawarra to help business, commuters, aged care, students in fact the whole community as we emerge from COVID-19.
The Future of Work is being explored by RDA Illawarra and the vital role of technology to support business was discussed at our April Board meeting. The RDA Illawarra Board resolved to write to the Hon Paul Fletcher, Minister for Communications, seeking increased fibre rollout across the entire Illawarra region.
The Illawarra’s demand for stable and high speed broadband access has grown exponentially over the past year, accelerated by COVID-19. Debra Murphy, CEO of RDA Illawarra said, “the timing is perfect for an increased roll-out of fibre capability in the region. In our new ‘Future of Work’ and accelerated thrust for decentralisation in the region, Technology is King! Businesses in the Illawarra deserve to have business-grade fibre services that are affordable and accessible to enable business innovation, productivity and growth.”
RDA Illawarra considers fast, secure and stable broadband serves are a powerful springboard for decentralisation of both private and public sector businesses who are moving out of capital cities and into the Illawarra region.