Broadband speeding to Coffs

© iStockphoto.com/Alexey Khlobystov

Poll

Are you waiting for better broadband?

This poll ended on 31 July 2010.

Yes, I need it for work

52%

Yes, I need it for entertainment

32%

No, I don't need it

9%

What's broadband?

6%

This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.

IF all goes well, fibre-optic broadband may be in your home some time next year.

Having been encouraged by communications minister Stephen Conroy in October, Southern Cross University together with Coffs Harbour and every other council between Taree and the Tweed, is putting in a submission to be the first mainland site for the new National Broadband Network.

Southern Cross University’s Professor Peter Croll is overseeing the submission, which he said was a great opportunity.

“We would see a revolution,” Prof Croll told the Coffs Coast Advocate.

“Regional Australia will gain more than urban areas from broadband. This region is a very high growth area.”

He said the submission focused on the benefits the new technology would bring to health care, education, creative industries and emergency services.

“SCU research shows older people are moving away to be closer to health care. Having better services and better social connectedness would help reduce depression and help stop the population drift to cities.”

He said the submission was due before Christmas.

And local businesses can help: Go to http://www.gobroadband.org.au/ and answer a short survey to support the broadband bid.