SA's GigCity expands to Whyalla and Mount Gambier

A $1 million South Australia Government-funded project will see eligible businesses in Whyalla and Mount Gambier connected to the GigCity high-speed internet network by the end of 2019.

The work to expand the network to the two regional centres will be undertaken by Adelaide-based company MIMP Connecting Solutions.

The expansion will take the form of wireless broadband, rather than cable.

“Building the GigCity network to additional precincts is a key action item within the state’s strategic action plan for future industries and entrepreneurship, or the FIXE strategy,” said South Australia’s Minister for Innovation and Skills, David Pisoni.

More than 220 businesses in Mount Gambier and around 70 in Whyalla are expected to take advantage of the service, with pricing being similar to that available in metropolitan Adelaide GigCity precincts — ranging from $49.90 to $179.90 per month (ex GST).

The mayors of both cities have said that they see the GigCity solution being an essential part of boosting their region’s attractiveness as a place to do business.

City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said that “GigCity will provide existing and new businesses with opportunities for innovation and development”, with Whyalla City Council CEO Chris Cowley adding that it would be “an essential element for the transformation of Whyalla, which will allow businesses to gain a technological competitive advantage and drive innovation”.

“We have a vision to make South Australia the nation’s start-up capital, with the highest rate of business start-ups per capita within a decade,” said Minister Pisoni.

“The FIXE strategic action plan outlines a list of objectives, strategic directions and specific actions, ranging from immediate projects to longer-term initiatives, that will get us there.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/R. Roth

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