Council is working to facilitate and support the provision, uptake and application of high-speed, business grade broadband infrastructure and support services by businesses across the Cairns region.
Council's strategy recognises the digital economy as key to the region's future economic diversification, resilience and competitive advantage, strengthening the existing business base and supporting new areas of economic activity in the region.
Our priority delivery programs are:
- Digital economy infrastructure (including support for National Broadband Network roll-out)
- Digital economy adoption
- Digital economy business applications and competitiveness
- Information and Communication Technology sector growth
National Broadband Network roll-out scheduled for Cairns
Council has welcomed the announcement that Cairns will feature in the next phase of optical fibre rollout by NBN Co and the Federal Government. Work is set to start within the next 12 months on the fibre optic network in the central Cairns suburbs of Bungalow, Cairns City, Cairns North, Manunda, Mount Sheridan, Parramatta Park, Portsmith, Westcourt and White Rock.
The network will then roll out to Bayview Heights, Bentley Park, Brinsmead, Clifton Beach, Earlville, Edge Hill, Edmonton, Freshwater, Gordonvale, Holloways Beach, Kewarra Beach, Machans Beach, Palm Cove, Redlynch, Smithfield, Stratford, Trinity Beach, Trinity Park, Whitfield and Woree. Work will start in these areas between December 2013 and December 2014.
Visit the NBN Co website for more information about the planned NBN roll-out in Cairns.
NBN benefits
Once the infrastructure is delivered, consumers in the optical fibre rollout areas will be able to buy high-speed broadband services with download speeds of up to 100 Mbps from their service provider of choice.
The NBN will bring opportunities for the region's businesses to explore new ways to do business – such as online sales or eCommerce, sophisticated online marketing to the rest of the world, and online collaboration with other businesses using high-speed and high-quality video conferencing and transfer of documents.
For residential consumers, the NBN means opportunities to use online health services, access to high-quality online education and resources, and new entertainment options. It effectively means the removal of the digital divide between FNQ and capital cities.
Technical guidelines for new developments
NBN Co releases technical information, design specifications and installation guides for developers, builders and new homeowners in new developments. You can view all the latest technical guidelines and fact sheets on the NBN Co website.
Submission to NBN Co
In partnership with the FNQ Regional Organisation of Councils (FNQROC), in September 2011, Cairns Regional Council lodged a formal submission with NBN Co to sell the region’s commitment and capabilities.
The submission includes case studies of 10 far northern enterprises to illustrate the economic growth potential that could be achieved with access to business-grade broadband infrastructure. The expert skills and services offered by local businesses were showcased in a supporting Capability Profile, including TNQ TAFE’s capacity to activate specialised NBN training courses at short notice.
The submission is available for download at the FNQROC website: www.fnqroc.qld.gov.au
Broadband Today
As part of the national Broadband Today Alliance, Council’s key priorities are partnering with NBN Co to encourage early roll-out in the region, and developing strategies to support competitiveness and economic prosperity through the application of business-grade broadband.
For the latest news and articles on the NBN roll-out, and for tips on using Broadband in your business, visit www.broadbandtoday.com.au
