Digital connectivity in the Northern Goldfields is about to take a leap forward, with the McGowan Government allocating $1.03 million to two projects to deliver high-quality broadband services to the region.
The funding will deliver fast, reliable, scalable and affordable broadband to local businesses and communities in Leonora, Laverton and the Menzies shires.
The McGowan Government has allocated $480,830 towards a project led by Australian owned and operated communications company Pivotel to provide a mix of 4G mobile and 5G fixed wireless broadband services to businesses and communities in the Leonora and Laverton districts.
Another $550,252 has been directed to Telstra to deliver additional capacity and faster speeds to boost user experience. The local network will be converted to 4GX while the backhaul service will be upgraded to improve service quality during peak demand times and allow for future growth to the 5G network.
The two projects will be rolled out over coming months, providing enterprise-grade services to the Northern Goldfields.
The initiative complements the State’s Digital Farm Grants Program, which has provided $13.1 million to 20 projects to extend high-quality digital services beyond the NBN fixed wireless and fixed line footprint across Western Australia.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“We’ve heard the concerns of Northern Goldfields communities and while telecommunications is a Federal responsibility, we’re stepping in to fill the gap and ensure this region has access to 21st century broadband.
“These two projects provide an optimum mix of connectivity solutions for local businesses and residents in the Leonora, Laverton and Menzies shires, using a combination of fixed wireless network, an upgraded backhaul service and 4GX mobile coverage.
“The improved broadband will benefit day-to-day operations of local businesses, while residents will be able to enjoy more reliable and fast internet connection.”
As stated by Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent:
“In my travels to the Northern Goldfields, access to internet has been an ongoing concern amongst the community.
“I can’t emphasise enough how much of an impact this investment will have for both businesses and communities in the Goldfields.
“I’m so proud to be part of a McGowan Government that’s continuing to deliver for the regions.”
