GREEN fibre optic cable, new wireless base stations and pink Wi-Fi hotspot boxes being installed around the Hunter are signs that high-speed broadband infrastructure is being rolled out.
Ultimately, for this region to be competitive in the connected global economy, every Hunter resident, business and service provider will require access to high-speed broadband, regardless of population density.
Building the infrastructure network to deliver broadband to everyone in this region cannot happen quickly enough for those who understand the economic and social benefits of reliable and fast digital connectivity.
However, discussions about supply-side technologies for broadband connections and comparisons of ADSL 2+, mobile 4G, fixed wireless, satellite, fibre to the node and copper, or fibre to the premises, often overshadow the pressing need for the region to have the required digital skills and literacy.
The impacts of broadband on employment and economic growth in areas where it is widely adopted include: the acceleration of the introduction of new applications and services; adoption of more efficient business processes that improve productivity; and, the attraction of talent from other cities and regions.
Growing the region’s digital economy is RDA Hunter’s High Speed Broadband Group of regional experts in industries including health, education and manufacturing, all levels of government and the business community. This group is assisting the Hunter region to leverage the benefits of high-speed broadband and the positive impacts it can have on jobs.
The Hunter High Speed Broadband initiative facilitates exposure to national and international opportunities in order to help local business derive maximum productivity improvements, profitability and quality of jobs to drive higher gross regional product (GRP) growth.
Through case studies and presentations by industry experts at public forums hosted by RDA Hunter’s broadband group, the region is informed and updated on the high-speed broadband infrastructure roll-out and strategies for businesses to utilise broadband for improved performance and growth. Earlier this year, the need to think digitally was presented at one of these events by Jesper Lowgren, Telstra’s principal consultant for business and digital transformation.
There are other pro-active supporters of the region’s digital economy, such as next month’s DiG Festival on the themes of digital disruption and transformation.
Practical advice and assistance to develop skills for small businesses in the Hunter is available through the Small Biz Solutions series of workshops being co-ordinated by The Business Centre. The program includes digital engagement, e-commerce, broadband services, and technology to assist with marketing, managing and growing ideas.
Practical assistance to take advantage of broadband now and to prepare for future system upgrades is particularly important for the sector and the future prosperity of the region.
View the Newcastle Herald article http://www.theherald.com.au/story/3347838/todd-williams-speedy-broadband-good-for-all-firms/?cs=4464