Science and Information Economy Minister Jay Weatherill has congratulated everyone involved in a State Government and Adam Internet Broadband Blackspots Project, which won a 2011 Premier’s Award last night.
The Adelaide Metropolitan Broadband Blackspots Project – Shining the Light on Adelaide’s Broadband Blackspots is delivering high speed wireless broadband to more than 3000 residents and businesses in blackspot areas across metropolitan Adelaide.
Last night, the project was announced as the winner of the ‘Growing Prosperity’ category of the 2011 Premier's Awards - Showcasing excellence in the public sector.
The project has resulted in improved broadband access and high speed connectivity through AdamMax - a wireless service using international-standard WiMAX technology. The network, which uses 59 existing communication towers, is providing affordable broadband services to more than 350 broadband blackspot areas across metropolitan Adelaide, stretching from Gawler in the north, to Aldinga in the south. These are areas where, for technical reasons, premises cannot obtain ADSL broadband connections that use telephone lines.
“I congratulate Adam Internet and the Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology on their success in delivering this collaborative and innovative project,” Mr Weatherill said.
“According to an independent study, over a period of five years the economic benefit of removing Adelaide’s blackspots is estimated at $63.6 million in the metropolitan area.”
The project was made possible through a $3 million contribution from the South Australian Government, as well as a $12 million investment from Adam Internet and connection subsidies from the Australian Government’s Australian Broadband Guarantee.