Following discussion at RDA Hunter’s recent High Speed Broadband for the Hunter Update event, NBN Co has announced that more than 150,000 homes and businesses across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast will be first in NSW to receive fibre-to-the-node technology over the National Broadband Network.

RDA Hunter CEO, Todd Williams praised NBN Co’s announcement saying that access to high speed broadband is a basic requirement for businesses today.

“Conservative figures from our recent survey of Hunter industry show that across the region as a whole nine months of productive time is lost in a single day. said Mr Williams.

“Closing this productivity gap will lead to more investment into the region, a greater capacity for Hunter businesses to accept new work and, importantly, create jobs.”

The next phase of RDA Hunter’s work is to prepare the region for the opportunities high speed broadband can deliver and how to capitalise on them.

RDA Hunter will lead a group comprising key stakeholders to:

1. Keep the Region informed of the NBN rollout and other high speed broadband initiatives

2. Provide the Hunter with examples and case studies of innovative uses of high speed broadband that add value, increase investment and create jobs

“We will now communicate the advantages and opportunities high speed broadband can provide the region.

“Our role is to help the Hunter remain internationally competitive and we will outline ways in which the Hunter can leverage improved broadband service for productivity efficiencies.” continued Mr Williams.

Download NBN Co’s media release http://www.nbnco.com.au/corporate-information/media-centre/media-releases/new-technology-speeds-up-nbn-rollout.html#.VERFMdhEiUk

View the NBN Roll out maps http://www.nbnco.com.au/sell-nbn-services/rollout-map.html 

View the Newcastle Herald story http://www.theherald.com.au/story/2635200/hunter-first-in-nsw-for-fibre-to-the-node-broadband/?cs=305

View the Newcastle Herald opinion http://www.theherald.com.au/story/2634395/editorial-faster-broadband-rollout/?cs=308