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Eden Broadway project
The Eden Broadway demand aggregation project was centred on Eden and surrounding regions of the south coast of New South Wales. The area had a poor annual growth rate of 0.3 per cent during the last census period (the five years to 2001), a declining workforce, and an ageing population. Compared to NSW, the region also has lower than average computer and internet usage and education levels.
Beginning in July 2005, the project's goal was to secure improved access to affordable high speed ‘always on' broadband services and to assist and stimulate social and economic development in the region.
The project's main objective was to attract interest from a credible carrier to deploy broadband in Eden . The demand aggregation approach adopted focused on:
- market research (a survey of all residences and SMEs in the Eden region);
- community awareness raising and education (including ICT courses at Eden Access Centre, weekly articles on broadband in the local paper and information nights in local communities); and
- building a website with an online demand register.
That market research and awareness raising supported the development of a business case that was later presented to carriers. This later resulted in Clear Networks and the Eden Access Centre signing a memorandum of understanding for the supply of broadband services.
This project had several key success factors.
- A strong user focus, leaving technical issues for potential carriers
- A committed local team
- Credibility, commitment, contacts and community involvement
- Sufficient demand registrations
- Tight, planned and professional project management
- Targeted use of media outlets and community meetings
Achievements
- One new wireless provider (Clear Networks) began operating in April 2006 in Eden. (Clear has immediate plans to expand to five nearby towns). Further expansion into the Bega Valley will follow.
- Telstra has probably ADSL-enabled RIMs in Boydtown, Kiah and Nethercote.
- Seventy per cent of Eden (2200 residents) can access ADSL Broadband. From April all 3150 residents will have broadband access, and 2200 will have competition.
- Planned wireless expansions to Kiah, Nethercote, Towamba, Wonboyn and Wyndham will cover another 5400 residents.
- Entry level service is $24.95 per month.
- Clear Networks entry level plan provides a 500MB download. Telstra's entry level is 200MB download.
- Clear Network's service inclu des VOIP.