Media Release

Broadband roadshow rolls into Victoria

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today encouraged regional Victorians to attend free events on how the Australian Government is improving access to broadband.

"The Australian Government is committed to ensure that all Australians enjoy the benefits of broadband services, no matter where they live," Senator Conroy said.

"This roadshow is a great opportunity for the people of Victoria, particularly small businesses, to meet representatives from my Department and discuss their individual situation one-on-one."

The Australian Telecommunications Users Group (ATUG) is holding the following free events:

• Ballarat, Tuesday 11 November, information session at Central Square Shopping Centre from 1pm to 5pm
• Ballarat, Wednesday 12 November, information session at Ballarat Library, 178 Doveton Street North, from 9.30am to 12.30pm
• Ballarat, Wednesday 12 November, reception at BEST Community Development Centre, 28 Victoria Street, from 5pm to 7pm
• Bendigo, Thursday 13 November, information session at Bendigo Library, 259 Hargreaves Street, from 1pm to 4pm
• Bendigo, Thursday 13 November, reception at The Foundry Hotel, 366 High Street, from 6pm to 8pm

RSVP to patrick.sinclair@atug.org.au or call 02 9495 8905.

Representatives from the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy are attending to provide information and advice on the Australian Broadband Guarantee, Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme, Do Not Call Register and e-security.

"People can find out about Australian Government initiatives and use the Government's online Broadband Service Locator, which determines what broadband services are available to any household in Australia," Senator Conroy said.

"If they are unable to access a broadband service, they may be eligible for a subsidised service through the Australian Broadband Guarantee program," Senator Conroy said.

The Australian Broadband Guarantee provides all Australian households and small businesses with access to a broadband service that reasonably compares to broadband services (in terms of price, speed and data usage) available in metropolitan areas.

"In the last Budget the Australian Government allocated the program $270.7 million over the next four years," Senator Conroy said.

"The Australian Government has also committed to invest up to $4.7 billion in a National Broadband Network (NBN) covering 98 per cent of homes and businesses. Enhanced services will also be made available for the most remote two per cent that may not be covered by the NBN."

People who are unable to attend the receptions and information sessions can find out more information about the Australian Broadband Guarantee at www.dbcde.gov.au/abg or by phone 1800 883 488 (free call).

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Date: 5 November 2008
Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457