BUSINESS operators struggling with slow internet expect the local roll-out of National Broadband Network technology will boost efficiency and productivity.
Work is under way to connect 6500 premises at Cedar Grove, Cedar Vale, Jimboomba, Mundoolun and South Maclean through NBN fibre to the node technology.
The NBN Co expects to start offering services to the region by the end of this year.
Wright MP Scott Buchholz – who has advocated for a faster roll-out of the NBN locally – said the service was crucial for education and the local economy.
“Fast and reliable internet is important for businesses and pivotal for our youth who are being educated and entering the workforce in a strong digital age,” he said.
“This local roll-out is something I’ve fought hard for – to give people of this region greater opportunities to be connected – and I’m glad to see it come to fruition through my advocacy and this government’s commitment to a solid communications network.
“I understand not every premise in the electorate is being connected immediately and that’s frustrating for many people but we must remember under the previous government we were not even on the roll-out plan for another eight to 10 years.”
Logan Country Chamber of Commerce president Kerry Menck said fast internet would change the face of local business.
“Right now running a small business is a major challenge locally because it’s so time consuming trying to get things done with slow internet,” she said.
“When you’re sitting down to do your emails and bookwork but it’s taking twice as long, you have longer response times and then often a loss of business. Faster internet will change all that.”
Logan City Councillor Trevina Schwarz said the NBN roll-out would cater to rapid growth locally.
“Communications is a constant issue out here and demand is even stronger because this is a rapidly growing area,” she said.
“This is so important for education and for our children and I welcome the NBN.”
NBN Queensland Corporate Affairs manager Kylie Lindsay said fibre to the node allowed access to high speed broadband with less disruption to the community and at a lower cost to the taxpayer.
“The NBN network will become critical for health, education, business development and the overall long-term sustainable growth of Jimboomba and surrounds,” she said.
