New Westnet network gives Geraldton city grade broadband

Stan Beer
Friday, 11 March 2011 12:29

IT Policy - Government Tech Policy

A new 426 kilometre Government built fibre-optic cable linking Geraldton to Perth has given the central west coast city of almost 40,000 people access to the same quality of broadband available in Australian capitals. iiNet subsidiary Westnet has launched a new network off the back of the link at an event today attended by Westnet and iiNet CEO Michael Malone and his sometime adversary Broadband Minister Stephen Conroy.

According to Westnet, more than 8200 Geraldton households and businesses now have access to faster internet speeds and a more competitive broadband market as a result of Westnet's new network.

The new network, says Westnet, will give Geraldton 2500 new points of broadband access "with a service as good as anywhere else in Australia."

Speaking at today's event, Michael Malone, Chief Executive Officer of Westnet, said the company was eager to be the first to deliver the benefits of the new fibre-optic link which include real competition, better service and an understanding of the needs of people in Geraldton.

'Westnet was founded here in Geraldton 17 years ago, so we're thrilled to provide locals with access to the next generation of superfast, competitive broadband plans with award winning customer service for the first time,' Mr Malone said.

Westnet and parent company iiNet are investing more than $5 million in high speed broadband infrastructure in regional Australia during 2011.

'All our Westnet and iiNet customers served by this new equipment will be able to move to our new, faster network - and because it's our network, it offers better value and more quota than ever before.'

'We know our new service will be popular with Geraldton consumers so we have installed extra capacity to allow new customers to join up and enjoy the choice of both new plans and also the customer service for which Westnet is famous.'

Mark Gardiner, local resident and the first Westnet customer to be transferred to the new network, said his family was looking forward to improved broadband speeds.

'Our teenage daughters use the Internet extensively for their high school studies and my wife and I use email, pay bills, shop and keep in touch with family. Having a bigger quota and faster speeds, will mean we can do a lot more in less time without upgrading to a new plan,' Mr Gardner said.

By teaming one of Westnet's broadband2+ plans with our Netphone service, members will get cheaper phone calls, useful technology, better performance, better customer service and fast, reliable internet in one package.