GigCity ultra-fast internet network lit up

Adelaide’s ultra-fast internet network will be switched on from today, with businesses able to access affordable high-speed internet which is up to 100 times faster than the national average.

Science and Information Economy Minister Kyam Maher today launched the $7.6 million GigCity Adelaide network at TechinSA. The launch featured a live cross to Tonsley via the GigCity network demonstrating the power of the fibre. A string quartet performed in sync across the technology, despite being split across the two innvoation sites.

Adelaide-based internet provider EscapeNet will deliver internet services through the South Australian Broadband Research and Education Network (SABRENet) fibre optic network to key innovation sites and co-working spaces across metropolitan Adelaide, including Tonsley Innovation District, TechInSA, Stretton Centre and St Paul’s Creative Centre.

Businesses that are tenants of those precincts will have access to gigabit-speed internet service plans ranging from $49.90 to $179.90 per month, providing access to affordable and less restrictive plans than what is currently available in the marketplace.

Businesses interested in connecting to the GigCity Adelaide network are encouraged to contact precinct managers to discuss eligibility, data requirements and pricing plans. For contact details, visit www.gigcity.com.au

GigCity Adelaide is part of the South Australian Government’s $80 million investment to support innovative businesses, entrepreneurs and researchers through programs and initiatives, including the $10 million South Australian Early Commercialisation Fund and the $50 million South Australian Venture Capital Fund to drive economic growth and job creation.

In the recent 2017-18 State Budget, the South Australian Government announced it would expand the GigCity Adelaide network to additional metropolitan innovation precincts and co-working spaces and progress the development of a digital roadmap for the state.

The South Australian Government has also entered into Memorandum of Understanding with the Whyalla City Council and Mount Gambier City Council to explore opportunities to extend the GigCity network to new innovation precincts planned for Whyalla and Mount Gambier.

The GigCity network will work alongside the State Government’s $200 million Future Jobs Fund by creating jobs in IT and advanced manufacturing, one of the five key growth sectors in our state.