Web in regional Vic!

Subsidised Internet Connection

As part of the Federal Government initiative to provide telecommunications services at a reasonable cost throughout regional Australia, the internet connection and service subsidy is again available.

Previously known as Hibis the facility is now called Broadband Connect, and is offered initially from the 1 January 2006 until the 30 June 2006, subject to the allocated funding limits not being reached earlier.

What this means for CMPA Members is that access to a high-speed broadband internet connection is now available at prices comparable with those charged in capital cities.

In remote areas this service would normally be provided via a satellite connection, which requires the installation of a suitable dish at your premises. The costs of such an installation can often run to several thousand dollars but with the Broadband Connect subsidy this is reduced dramatically to only a couple of hundred dollars installation costs and an ongoing monthly fee of between $45 and $280, depending on the type of connection and level of service required.

There are a number of suppliers offering the service and each has been carefully screened by the Department of Communications, Information, Technology and the Arts (DCITA) to ensure service standards, pricing, etc. will be met and maintained.

As the controlling body, DCITA have also put in place service guarantees and dispute resolution procedures, so customers can be confident in choosing the package that best suits them from any of the approved suppliers.

There are a number of different services levels available and connection via wireless, one-way or two-way satellite. As the preferred supplier of telecommunication services for the CMPA, we offer Members a free analysis service covering land lines, mobiles and internet connection.

To find out which Broadband Connect subsidy is available for your area or to review the costs of your other telecommunications services call me direct on 03 9852 9022.

Bill Connellan, Connellan Business Communications
16 Queen Street, Kew VIC 3101
Phone: 03 9852 9022
Fax: 03 9855 0856

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