Iso connect
RESIDENTS and workers around Narromine and Warren are set to benefit from a $90 million program delivering place-based digital connectivity solutions throughout the regions via a range of mobile and broadband services.
Regional Communications Minister and Member for Parkes Mark Coulton says the commonwealth Regional Connectivity Program (RCP) being delivered by Field Solutions Group (FSG) will provide connectivity to approximately 90 per cent of the Narromine shire and extend into high value irrigation areas that rely on Sky Muster and have limited mobile coverage.
FSG will install a fixed wireless network, comprising seven new towers and one co-location in the Narromine-warren region.
“I’m thrilled that residents and businesses in the Warren and Narromine region will enjoy the benefits and opportunities that improved digital connectivity brings,” Minister Coulton said.
“Field Solutions Group has received more than $1.6 million in Commonwealth Government funding for the project, which will provide people in the area with access to improved broadband services and data, delivering fast, affordable and reliable connectivity.
“This will help keep our businesses connected, our families stay in touch and mean we can better access health, education and online services on the go.”
FSG CEO Andrew Roberts said a community approach to building telecommunications infrastructure has been recognised as a viable, cost-effective and forward-looking way of delivering true broadband solutions for rural, regional and remote areas.
“Our aim is to deliver feature-rich, quality telecommunications services, equivalent to what is available in metropolitan areas,” he said.
Narromine Shire Council contributed $150,000 to the $2.7 million FSG project, with mayor Craig Davies welcoming the commonwealth funding. He believes this project will provide the technology for industries to develop in the shire to attract more businesses and families.
“It gives us the opportunity to engage with technology that will take agriculture and other industries in the shire to the next level,” Cr Davies said.
“It’s a giant step forward, taking Australia’s agricultural industry towards the $1 billion mark and gives Narromine shire the opportunity to be a leader in technology into the future.
“We are very pleased that the Federal Government has seen fit to fund this technology in our shire and western NSW.”
Warren mayor Milton Quigley also welcomed the project.
“In this day-and-age, access to reliable telecommunications is critical for people in our region to stay connected and this project will make a big difference in improving the coverage for the people in the Warren shire,” Cr Quigley said.