Fast broadband at metro prices is coming to Lismore soon, as the rollout of the new nbn Business Fibre Zone begins and you’re invited to an information breakfast later this month to find out more. 

NBN Co recently announced that Lismore is included as one of just 85 regional centres included as part of its rollout of 240 nbn Business Fibre Zones across Australia. 

All businesses within these regional zones will have access to fast Enterprise Ethernet, at reduced prices- similar to pricing paid by businesses in metro areas. In total, these zones are expected to cover more than 700,000 business premises. 

Business breakfast 

Local businesses are invited to attend a breakfast hosted by Lismore City Council (LCC), Regional Development Australia (RDA) Northern Rivers and NBN Co to hear how you can take advantage of the roll out. The workshop will be held at Lismore City Hall on Wednesday October 28 at 7.30am.

Register

To register, email [email protected] to book a space.

RDA Northern Rivers Director of Regional Development, Tim Williamson said the nbn’s new Business Fibre Zone initiative bringing metro-level services and prices to regional areas is something the Lismore business community has been advocating for.

NBN Co Chief Development Officer, Regional and Remote, Gavin Williams said working with retail internet providers, NBN Co will invest up to $700 million in a package of initiatives over the next three years designed to support business innovation, productivity and growth.

“The initiatives recognise the growing importance of online collaboration and cloud-based productivity tools for businesses and increasing demand for premium-grade business nbn solutions,” he said. 

“NBN Co has earmarked more than $2 billion to network investments over the next three years to benefit residential and business customers living and working in regional areas of Australia.”

Council’s role

Local councils and governments have been invited by NBN Co to discuss how they can take advantage of this rollout through the company’s $300 million co-investment fund.

The fund will help deliver access to higher speed wholesale broadband services over the nbn network and assist in moving more regional areas from fixed wireless or satellite to fixed line services 

A Lismore City Council spokesperson said LCC is looking to identify opportunities for improving connectivity and reducing costs particularly for our businesses within the Lismore Business Fibre Zone with NBN Co.

Digital lift

NBN Co Chief Development Officer, Regional and Remote, Gavin Williams, said bringing the nbn to regional areas was helping to lift the digital capabilities of the entire nation.

“Last Summer’s bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic have caused significant disruption and dislocation in 2020, but fast, reliable broadband can be the great enabler to aid and accelerate the economic recovery of regional and remote communities,” he said.

“Small and medium businesses in regional and rural Australia are the lifeblood of local economies and to help broaden and strengthen the national economy. 

“Our $2 billion investment will help to ensure the nbn plays an increasingly important role within the livestock and agriculture industries, tourism, hospitality and the arts.”