South Western Wireless WA is set to establish fixed wireless internet services across large parts of the Wheatbelt, after winning a tender run by the North Eastern Wheatbelt Regional Organisation of Councils.
NEWROC, which represents the shires of Koorda, Mt Marshall, Mukinbudin, Nungarin, Trayning and Wyalkatchem, recently secured a $700,000 federal government grant for the telecommunications project.
Each shire has chipped in a further $18,000 to the project, along with $100,000 from NEWROC, while Bendigo Bank has provided $2000, taking the total budget to more than $900,000.
South Western Wireless WA managing director Jeremy Devenish said his group would be providing businesses and residents internet speeds of up to 100 Mbps.
“More importantly, we cap the number of people accessing the service so download speeds are not compromised,” he said.
Once the system is installed, users will pay a service fee to access the wireless facilities.
NEWROC chair Eileen O’Connell said the new system would run in conjunction with the National Broadband Network.
“Our chosen telecommunications solution will add value to the existing NBN service that some residents and businesses receive in the district, but more importantly will provide an improved service to those who can’t access the NBN or whose service is currently too slow for their needs, and at a cheaper price,” she said.
South Western Wireless WA is based in Narrogin and its team includes chief executive Leigh Ballard, whose achievements include a 40under40 award.
The business is currently delivering similar services in the Peel region, and its parent company is rollng out the internet service in parts of Queensland and NSW.
South Western Wireless WA chair Maree Gooch said she was excited about the difference faster internet would have on many levels.
Saving costs on internet packages plus greater ease of doing business, selling grain, accessing online health, education and mental health support, and even having an on-farm intranet were possible with South Western Wireless WA’s fixed wireless system,” Ms Gooch said.
She added the internet packages on offer would also assist many emergency service providers and government departments operating in the district, as well as help attract and retain larger industry.
