ADSL, not wireless, to keep town connected
WHILE Ilfracombe residents have the option of wireless broadband since the launch of Telstra’s Next G network, the council’s CEO Michelle McFayden said it has not resolved the town’s internet woes.
"In terms of speed and cost ADSL broadband still remains the best option for both the council and the community," Ms McFadyen said.
"As yet, it appears that wireless broadband cannot be networked, which means in order for the council to use it each of our computers need new hardware worth several hundreds of dollars.
"On top of that you’ve then got to pay a monthly plan cost for each computer which for unlimited download access is very expensive."
Ms McFadyen acknowledged that wireless broadband will bring benefits to some, but said she did not believe it was the answer.
"I’m in the process of setting up wireless on my laptop because it will be very handy when I travel.
"But it is not a viable option for everyone and our community should have the choice of ADSL.
"We are only 27 kilometres from Longreach and yet we are one of the few shires in the region not to have it."
Ms McFayden said it will cost $120,000 to upgrade Ilfracombe’s telephone exchange and install the required technology for ADSL broadband.
"The council is currently working with Telstra to apply for federal government funding through the Connect Australia plan," Ms McFayden said.
"Last time we applied they only offered us $85,000 so hopefully this round we get the extra $35,000."
The Barcoo Shire Council is similarly hoping their applications for funding through the communications plan will come to fruition.
"We’ve supplied the Communications Minister, Helen Coonan, with a list of our telecommunications needs to help her in the decision-making process," Mayor Bruce Scott said.
"It’s not just about broadband for us.
"We need to expand our terrestrial lines for towns like Birdsville, Bedourie and Windorah and establish mobile phone reception in the shire."
"In terms of speed and cost ADSL broadband still remains the best option for both the council and the community," Ms McFadyen said.
"As yet, it appears that wireless broadband cannot be networked, which means in order for the council to use it each of our computers need new hardware worth several hundreds of dollars.
"On top of that you’ve then got to pay a monthly plan cost for each computer which for unlimited download access is very expensive."
Ms McFadyen acknowledged that wireless broadband will bring benefits to some, but said she did not believe it was the answer.
"I’m in the process of setting up wireless on my laptop because it will be very handy when I travel.
"But it is not a viable option for everyone and our community should have the choice of ADSL.
"We are only 27 kilometres from Longreach and yet we are one of the few shires in the region not to have it."
Ms McFayden said it will cost $120,000 to upgrade Ilfracombe’s telephone exchange and install the required technology for ADSL broadband.
"The council is currently working with Telstra to apply for federal government funding through the Connect Australia plan," Ms McFayden said.
"Last time we applied they only offered us $85,000 so hopefully this round we get the extra $35,000."
The Barcoo Shire Council is similarly hoping their applications for funding through the communications plan will come to fruition.
"We’ve supplied the Communications Minister, Helen Coonan, with a list of our telecommunications needs to help her in the decision-making process," Mayor Bruce Scott said.
"It’s not just about broadband for us.
"We need to expand our terrestrial lines for towns like Birdsville, Bedourie and Windorah and establish mobile phone reception in the shire."
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