West Coast continues research for NBN solution

The West Coast Council is continuing its efforts to find a solution to the satellite-only NBN technology it is set to receive.

Mayor Phil Vickers and General Manager Dirk Dowling met with Telstra and TasICT representatives in Hobart last week to discuss the potential for a mix of technologies to bring NBN to the West Coast.

Council, and the West Coast community, believe that satellite-only NBN will limit the ability of the region to attract sufficient business investment to secure sustainability through business diversification and economic development.

“The West Coast community – both residents and industry leaders – have indicated to Council their concern about satellite-only NBN.  It is important for us to be able to convey that our concerns about satellite-only NBN aren’t related to movie download speeds but regional sustainability,” Mayor Vickers said.  “Council believes there are alternatives available to enable a mix of NBN technologies to be delivered to the West Coast.”

Last week’s meeting enabled Council to put forward some of these alternatives, including the potential for using existing State-owned fibre infrastructure.

Mayor Vickers believed the discussions around the table were very positive, “If we are to grow a sustainable, dynamic and resilient business sector on the West Coast, as highlighted in our West Coast Community Plan 2025, different approaches are needed and must be built around partnerships and we believe this meeting was the start of this collaborative process.”

Telstra Business Manager Stuart Mitchell, Fixed Network Planning Manager (VIC/TAS) Jeremy Young, West Coast Council General Manager Dirk Dowling, West Coast Mayor Phil Vickers, Chair of Telstra Tasmania Board Michael Patterson, Wireless Network Tasmania Manager Andrew Ross and Senior Account Executive, Tasmanian Government Jeremy Mathieson