Deal done to install fibre optic network

THE fibre backbone of the City of Greater Geelong’s Smart City plan has been locked in, with the council endorsing a 15-year contract with AARNet last week.

Under the $1.78 million deal, AARNet will install a high-speed optical fibre network stretching for 24 kilometres between Corio and East Geelong, which will form the backbone of the Smart City initiative and provide community facilities and public spaces with access to high-speed internet.

Part of the city’s Smarter Suburbs project to address “gaps” in digital access and affordability in the northern suburbs and enable the delivery of fast, free public Wi-Fi and enhanced broadband, the improved services are expected to be available to the public in mid-2022.

The new contract is part of a larger project to run fibre between Lara and Waurn Ponds and is an extension to the already approved Bellarine fibre contract.

The city’s smart sensor network will also rely on the infrastructure to enable more smart services, from environmental monitoring to smart lighting.

The council endorsed the contract at its meeting last week.

Innovative solutions portfolio chair Cr Peter Murrihy said the council was pleased to endorse the optical fibre contract and he looked forward to the project getting started.

“Smarter Suburbs is a key project to help realise our community-led 30-year Clever and Creative Future vision and Our Community Plan’s strategic priority to build a healthy, caring and inclusive community.

“Fast and free internet that’s accessible to all will make a big difference to our community.”

Geelong MP Christine Couzens said it was great to see that areas across Geelong would have access to a world-class free Wi-Fi and enhanced broadband network.

“The Victorian government’s $1.8 million investment through the Connecting Regional Communities Program will deliver opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors in the state’s second biggest city to help it thrive.

“Connectivity is so important to ensure everyone has access to participate online and this project is a great step forward in ensuring that Geelong’s economy continues to grow.”