By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
GEELONG is on the cusp of a new digital era as work begins on connecting the city to the National Broadband Network (NBN), according to a councillor.
Knowledge economy portfolio holder Cr Rod Macdonald said the NBN would be an “important growth generator”.
Transfield this week begun a detailed survey of the initial construction block, covering a central city area betwen McKillop St, Latrobe Tce, Western Beach Rd and Bellerine St.
Cr Macdonald said the survey work would include a comprehensive audit of existing telecommunications services.
Design of the system would follow, with the rollout of optic fibre cable to begin in the next few months.
“This is the start of the brownfield development of the existing urban areas. It will roll out through the Geelong exchange and then span out to the northern suburbs from there,” Cr Macdonald said.
“More maps will be released so we get an idea of what areas will be done next.”
IBM Australia managing director Andrew Stevens was in Geelong this week to urge businesses to speed up their preparations for connection to the system.
Mr Stevens told a business gathering that setting a digital services agenda for the region was essential.
NBN community account manager for Victoria Lalla Mackenzie said maps showing the progress of the rollout would be released monthly.
“You’ll be able to enjoy great quality video calls, get the whole family on line at once and download movies in minutes,” Ms Mackenzie said.
“On average, it takes around 12 months from the start of construction until residents and business owners can order NBN retail services from telephone or internet service providers.
“Information is already available online about the plans and packages that telephone and internet service providers are offering over the NBN.”
Mayor Cr Keith Fagg said he was excited to see the rollout work begin.
“We welcome the opportunities it will bring for both families and businesses in these areas and hope people will take advantage of the services and high speeds available over the NBN.
“I encourage residents to visit the NBN website to find out more about how the rollout affects them and to start planning now for the switchover to fibre.”
