Adelaide has switched on its £4.5 million ultra-fast internet network, making it the first Australian capital to become a Gig City.
The GigCity scheme uses the existing SABRENet fibre optic network to deliver internet services to five key innovation hubs in the CBD and Adelaide suburbs including the Tonsley Innovation Precinct and TechInSA.
Commercial tenants there will also have access to internet speeds 100 times the national average with more affordable and less restrictive plans than what the marketplace currently offers.
GigCity Adelaide is part of the South Australian Government’s move to drive economic growth through high-speed internet access.
Science and Information Economy Minister Kyam Maher said having access to fast internet would help data intensive companies compete on a global level and show that Adelaide was open for business.
“By establishing GigCity ultra-fast internet at key innovation precincts, the State Government is investing in a network that will create jobs of the future,” he said.
“GigCity is part of the South Australian Government’s investment of more than $80 million in innovation and will continue to consolidate our position as the leader in innovation in Australia.”
South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill said boosting internet speeds in the state’s capital would open doors to new possibilities and collaborations.
“The State Government is helping start-ups and companies grow faster and attract entrepreneurs to South Australia who want to tap into the infrastructure and business environment we are creating,” he said.