Testing has begun today at the Gungahlin Library on the ACT’s first public connection to the National Broadband Network (NBN), in preparation for the whole of the Gungahlin Town Centre going live in January.
Gungahlin residents have eagerly anticipated the arrival of superfast broadband – it’s pleasing that NBNCo has met its pre-Christmas 2012 deadline for this first connection, with the rest of Gungahlin to progressively come on line during 2013.
It’s fitting the library is the first NBN connection. In early 2013 it will be the home of the ACT Digital Hub, a joint initiative of the ACT Government and the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.
Open to all, the Digital Hub will provide information about NBN systems and applications, demonstrate the benefits of using superfast broadband at home, and provide advice on how to get connected.
The Digital Hub will help to ensure that all those living and working in Gungahlin can take advantage of the NBN, providing classes and workshops to help users gain skills in digital literacy and access government services. The sessions will address internet and computer basics, social media and video chat, as well as access to government services, cyber safety, and online shopping and banking.
The NBN connection will link Gungahlin to what will become a world leading national communications network, which will boost Australia’s economic growth and productivity for many years to come.
Effective participation in the digital economy will deliver many benefits for Canberra families and communities, providing new business and job openings; offering new opportunities for tele-working and working from home; and providing more competitive retail and end user services.
The smart use of broadband-enabled technologies will also help governments develop solutions that deliver more personalised government services, anywhere, anytime, on any device, improving Canberrans’ access to health, education and community services.
The ACT continues to have the nation’s highest proportion of broadband access, with 83 per cent of households connected, and I’m sure the residents of Gungahlin will enthusiastically embrace these new superfast broadband services as they come on line.
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