CipherTel wins telco grants

Bunbury-based CipherTel has won the latest round of state government grants to deliver high-speed broadband to areas not adequately covered by the National Broadband Network.

It has been awarded $1.49 million in matched funding to deliver broadband services in three areas around Williams, Wagerup-Boddington and Capel-Busselton.

This covers more than 100 agricultural enterprises spread across a total of 3,000 square kilometres.

Chief executive Matthew Frontino said CipherTel would fabricate, build and install its own communications towers to underpin its wireless network.

This would deliver much faster connections than the satellite services currently used by farmers not covered by the NBN’s fixed wireless and fixed line network.

CipherTel already operates a fixed wireless network in Bunbury and surrounding shires, as well as servicing mining clients in remote locations.

These grants follow an earlier round of grants worth $2.3 million covering other parts of WA, with recipients then including LogicIT, Superloop and Pivotel Group.

Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan said a fast, reliable broadband service was essential for modern farm businesses.

"This Digital Farm Grants program is helping to provide a fundamental service to regional Western Australians, which will help to drive the adoption of agtech and build business capacity, growth and employment opportunities throughout the State,” she said in a statement.

"The program has to date successfully attracted commercial investment to extend broadband services to areas caught in the 'digital divide', to more than 1,200 businesses and regional residents across more than 40,000 square kilometres.

"The new services will be rolled out as infrastructure is installed, enabling more regional businesses and residents to enjoy the benefits of a fast, reliable, affordable and scalable broadband service."