Telco Internode will deploy some AU$3.5 million of broadband infrastructure through rural South Australia in a new project responding to the needs of a regional group of local councils.
The group -- dubbed the Central Local Government Region of SA (CLGR) -- in July publicly called for proposals on how to eliminate broadband blackspots in their areas.
CLGR collectively covers a large portion of rural South Australia, from the Barossa and Clare valleys through to the Flinders Ranges and the Yorke Peninsula.
"Through an agreement with the CLGR, Internode's infrastructure arm Agile Communications will roll out communications equipment that puts broadband within reach of most of the region's more than 80,000 residents," a statement issued Friday by Internode said.
"When combined with current projects, this deal means that Internode's broadband infrastructure will ultimately cover a vast area of rural South Australia from the coast through to the Victorian border."
The deal is being supported jointly by Internode, the federal government's Broadband Connect subsidy program, the state government and the councils.
Both wireless and fixed-line broadband (ADSL2+) will be used.
CLGR executive officer Anita Crisp said the decision to select Internode was based on "a combination of Internode's very strong proposal and its sound history and proven record of success working in rural South Australia."
"Importantly, Internode is offering a region-wide solution," she said in Internode's statement.
Councils participating in the project include Barunga West, Clare and Gilbert Valleys, Copper Coast, Flinders Ranges, Goyder, Mallala, Mount Remarkable, Northern Areas, Orroroo/Carrieton, Peterborough, Port Pirie and Wakefield. Internode will also extend the network to Leigh Creek.
