Adelaide aims to transform into a Gig City

The South Australian Government has pledged $4.65 million to bring gigabit-level broadband speeds to select Adelaide businesses.

The project aims to allow businesses to access high-speed internet infrastructure capable of speeds of up to 10 Gbps if businesses invest in new end-user technology.

The rollout will use an existing SABRENet fibre network to connect technology parks such as Tonsley and the state’s bioscience precinct — as well as co-working spaces in the CBD — with ultrahigh-speed broadband technology.

Adelaide Lord Mayor Martin Haese said the project forms part of his council’s plan to transform Adelaide into a “Gig City”, which is a key component of the plan to ensure Adelaide becomes one of the world’s first smart cities.

“Data is the currency of the 21st century. If we were to have a city which had quantifiably faster data speed than the rest of the nation, without at this moment preempting what the technological solution would be, what would that do to attracting business to Adelaide?” he said.

“It would attract entrepreneurs and start-ups to Adelaide. It would attract large corporates to Adelaide.”

AIIA CEO Rob Fitzpatrick said becoming a Gig City would allow Adelaide to offer businesses internet speeds of up to 100 times the Australian national average.

“Australia is currently lagging the rest of the world in delivery of true high-speed broadband,” he said.

'By establishing Adelaide as part of the Gig City network, the South Australian Government has put a clear stake in the ground that they are serious about catching up and attracting investment, driving innovation and generating real economic and social benefits for the state.”

Image courtesy of Marek under CC