125/07
Thursday 30 August 2007

New Broadband Development Network for regional areas

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator the Hon Helen Coonan, today launched the Broadband Development Network to help regional, rural and remote communities across Australia to enhance their understanding, access and use of broadband.

“Within this network, Broadband Project Managers (BPMs) will work at a state and territory level on strategic broadband development priorities for that region and will be complemented by Broadband Project Officers (BPOs) working on implementing regional priority broadband projects.

“The managers will identify and document priority areas and opportunities for broadband services, or they will assist communities and sectors to develop the skills to realise the social and economic benefits that broadband can deliver.

“The activities of the Broadband Project Officers may include supporting infrastructure roll-outs or identifying and documenting what communities see as priority areas and opportunities for new or improved services.

Senator Coonan explained that the Broadband Development Network is about helping organisations and communities to make the most of the opportunities afforded by broadband applications.

“The Network will also complement other Australian Government broadband initiatives such as Backing Indigenous Ability and the Innovative Services Delivery element of the Clever Networks program.

“The Innovative Service Delivery projects under the Clever Networks program will provide important broadband services and infrastructure to some of the regions served by Broadband Project Managers and Broadband Project Officers.

The Broadband Development Network is expected to commence operation in November 2007, and will run until 31 March 2010. Each state and territory will have an opportunity to co-fund a manager.

More information about Clever Networks is available at www.dcita.gov.au/clevernetworks

Media Contact: Katherine Meier 0417 441 141