166/04
3 December 2004

Brokering broadband in regional Australia

Rural, regional and remote Australia will benefit from a further $2.7 million funding to promote awareness of the benefits of broadband and to help communities get connected, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, announced today.

The Minister has called for applications for the second round of funding under the Community Based Broadband Demand Aggregation Brokers Program and released a new Demand Aggregation Manual.

"Eligible rural, regional and remote organisations can access the $2.7 million in funding to recruit, employ and support the 12-month activities of a community-based broadband demand aggregation broker," Senator Coonan said.

"These brokers will promote awareness of the benefits of broadband services to communities, encourage take-up and aggregate demand within the local area to achieve more affordable pricing arrangements, greater choice of broadband suppliers and improved access for communities."

The program is open to applications from partnerships such as community organisations, regional technology centres, not-for-profit organisations, local education service providers, local health service providers, local governments, and other local associations.

The funding is provided under the Demand Aggregation Brokers Program, one element of the National Broadband Strategy which forms part of the Australian Government's response to the Regional Telecommunications Inquiry (RTI).

"The Australian Government's commitment to regional broadband development has also been underscored by the release of the Demand Aggregation Manual," Senator Coonan said.

"The manual is a practical resource that will assist community leaders in local government, business and in health and education organisations plan and implement their broadband demand aggregation initiatives.

"The manual includes advice on assessing infrastructure needs, seeding interest, and managing financial sustainability."

The tender documentation for the program is available online from the 'view tenders, current' section at www.tenders.gov.au.  The closing date for applications is 24 February 2005.

The manual is available online at www.dcita.gov.au/ie/broadband/publications.

Media Contact: Jane McMillan 0438 690 305
www.minister.dcita.gov.au