Community-led initiative sparks competition between internet providers
Published on 21 December 2016
Earlier this year Council teamed up with private enterprise on a quest to break down the digital divide between cities and regional centres.
Determined to bring affordable, fast, and reliable internet to the region, the working group was tasked with exploring the viability of a community-led telco.
While the committee believes competition in residential services is adequate, it found that privately owned and operated Internet Service Providers (ISP) may be an option for local businesses.
Rockhampton expat and entrepreneur, Jason Gomersall, says steps are now being taken by the expat IT community and the local IT community to introduce this to local businesses.
“Forming a committee to discuss the concept of a community-led telco has been a very worthwhile and effective exercise,” Mr Gomersall said.
“Credit must be given to Mayor Strelow for coming up with the concept - just talking about the possibility of establishing a telco has caused other companies to respond with more competitive offers.”
Mr Gomersall said, the ability for businesses to access high-speed broadband allows them to be more competitive which leads to greater employment opportunities and economic growth for the Region.
“This is about connecting Rockhampton to the rest of the world and not waiting for the rest of the world to come to us,” he said.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow congratulated local business leaders for investing their time to weigh up the options.
“Council has a very strong interest in seeing the best digital environment for our business community, and I thank our working group for really taking ownership of this problem,” Mayor Strelow said.
“Having the right infrastructure in place is important for us to be a progressive region, and having a more competitive business grade service in our CBD would mean that we can better attract tech based companies and start-ups who require this level of services to operate their business.
“This also marries in with Council’s Smart Hub which is currently being occupied by IT based start-ups, who have chosen to grow their business in our Region and employ local people.”
In the meantime, private individuals are currently in the preliminary design and planning stages which includes determining the best location to house the equipment for a business grade ISP that will service the CBD and surrounds.