NBN Co has announced that National Broadband Network (NBN) fixed wireless services will be coming soon to Mildura, Swan Hill, Campaspe, Loddon and Gannawarra Shires.
“NBN Co is now starting to consult with five local government areas across the Loddon Mallee region, to start the ball rolling on fixed wireless,” said iBendigo Loddon Mallee Chairman Bruce Winzar.
“As a group we welcome this action, which means that significant parts of the Loddon Mallee region will soon have access to high speed broadband, and can start reaping the benefits for business, health and education.”
NBN Co will work with local councils on the network design and rollout, with the servive expected to offer telephone and internet service providers wholesale speeds of up to 25 megabits per second download and five megabits per second upload.
Regional Development Australia Loddon Mallee Committee Chair Jenny Dawson said the announcement was good news for rural communities in the Loddon Mallee region.
“Rural and regional communities have been on the wrong side of the digital divide for far too long.
“It’s really pleasing to see five of our local government areas announced for fixed wireless.
“Once the facilities are in place, it means those rural communities will have better connectivity than some city areas. It will help to level the playing field somewhat for our small towns.”
The iBendigo Loddon Mallee Group includes representatives of Regional Development Australia, City of Greater Bendigo, Bendigo Community Telco, Community Telco Australia, Bendigo Business Council, La Trobe University, Bendigo TAFE, Bendigo Health and the Loddon Mallee Rural Health Alliance.
