Gigabit-speed regional networks were based on the latest micro-wave technology.
Eligible businesses in Whyalla and Mount Gambier are the first in regional South Australia to be connected to the ultra-fast GigCity internet service, offering incredible download speeds and greater connection locally, nationally, and internationally.
South Australian Deputy Premier Dan van Holst Pellekaan said the completion of the GigCity network in Whyalla and Mount Gambier was great news for both cities, with nearly 40 businesses already connected across the two regional centres. “Gig City is another example of the Marshall Government’s commitment to improving services, business opportunities and jobs growth in regional South Australia,” said Dan van Holst Pellekaan.
“One thing the pandemic has highlighted is that many jobs can be performed from just about anywhere in the world provided the connectivity is up to standard. Whyalla and Mt Gambier are now just such places. There are now more than 500 businesses with access to GigCity, across 23 South Australian business and innovation precincts.
“With regional businesses often citing poor digital connectivity as a barrier to success, it is great to see major regional centres Whyalla and Mount Gambier having access to comparable GigCity connectivity and pricing to what’s available in Adelaide.”
GigCity infrastructure is funded by the South Australian Government and delivered in these regions by SA company MIMP Connecting Solutions.
MIMP Connecting Solutions CEO Allan Aitchison said the gigabit-speed regional networks were based on the latest micro-wave technology, with a 10-gigabit wireless ring around each city and fibre-optic links back to Adelaide. “The GigCity networks make internet access much faster and less expensive for businesses in both Mount Gambier and Whyalla,” he said.
“For years, people in these cities have wrestled with slow internet speeds, so we are offering a much faster service at a lower cost. As we’ve progressively built the network, we connected 38 customers across both cities to make sure every node worked during its construction. They’re all delighted with the speed and affordability of the service.
“We were privileged to work with the South Australian Government, which has funded this business infrastructure for ultra-fast internet services in Mount Gambier and Whyalla, to provide the communication foundation for regional businesses to grow their sales, employment and profitability.”
CodeMash is a Whyalla-based business that develops websites for local businesses and helps them with online marketing, social media, graphic design, and photography.
Owner Tim Gilbert said the GigCity network is both reliable and fantastically fast. “GigCity is amazing, everything just works,” said Gilbert. “We have a lot of our files in the cloud, including large photos. When I click on a link to open a 100-megabyte file stored in the cloud, it is there instantly, with no waiting. This is a game-changer for businesses in Whyalla and, best of all, it is so affordable.”
David Pratt, who has owned Mount Gambier’s Southgate Motel for the past 18 years, described the GigCity wireless network as “exceptional”. “Our guests demand excellent internet access in today’s world, so poor internet will cost your business,” he said.
“Since we’ve had GigCity, the speed is so fast that our guests rave about how good it is. We have 53 rooms, and all 53 guests can access the internet at the same time with no lag. It is an exceptional service.”
