Lara Giddings, MP
Minister for Economic Development
Sunday, 25 September 2005
Sites for Ground Breaking Technology Trial Announced
The State Government today announced the three Tasmanian sites for the ground-breaking TasCOLT optic fibre ultra-broadband trial.
Minister for Economic Development Lara Giddings said that areas of New Town, South Hobart and Devonport would participate in the two-year trial.
“These areas were chosen for the trial for their mix of health and education facilities, and because the demographics of the residential population closely fitted the profile for likely broadband customers,” Ms Giddings said.
“The trial will be open to 850 houses in New Town, and 200 each for South Hobart and Devonport.
“The Devonport footprint will include the Council Chambers and Reece High School.
“The trial has the potential to provide a range of next generation communication services, such as ultra high speed internet access, multiple simultaneous voice lines, high definition television, interactive television, home security, and power and gas metering.
“TasCOLT will enable us to get important information about the installation, deployment and operation of ultra-broadband services to households, businesses and institutions in Tasmania.”
Ms Giddings, along with world information technology expert Professor Ken Sakamura, today visited St Ann’s Nursing Home in Davey Street, Hobart, to discuss with them how they are planning to use TasCOLT.
“St Ann’s, in association with After Hours Doctors, is looking at using the TasCOLT technology to better manage and monitor its residents who become unwell particularly outside of normal working hours,” she said.
“Doctors and other health care providers will also be able to use this technology for video conferencing, sharing information and for quickly and easily discussing diagnostic images such as x-rays,” Ms Giddings said.
The trial has been developed through the initial work of Australian company CEOS Pty Ltd and the Tasmanian Electronic Commerce Centre, and it involves global leaders in communications such as Hitachi, Corning, Intel, Cisco and Acer.
It is also supported locally by Aurora Energy, TasTel and Protocol Information Technology.
Ms Giddings said subject to council approval the trial in New Town and South Hobart would commence in late November–early December this year and in Devonport in the first part of next year.
“Property owners will be notified by local councils about the trial through the development approval process,” she said.
“Residents and businesses that want to participate would be connected via the existing Aurora power poles.
“The cost of hooking into the ultra-broadband trial for residences is yet to be determined and will be finalised when the technology is installed later this year.
“We believe it will be very competitive,” Ms Giddings said.
Information about the trial can be obtained by visiting the TasCOLT website: www.tascolt.com.au.
FACTS
New Town trial includes parts of:
Giblin and Forster Streets, New Town Road, Seymour Street, Clare Street and Augusta Road.
South Hobart includes parts of:
Macquarie Street, Molle Street, Congress Street, and Davey Street.
Devonport includes an area bordered by Formby Road, William Street, Best Street, and Elizabeth Street and Reece High will be the focal point.”
| Further information: | Tasmanian Government Communications Unit Phone: (03) 6233 6573 |