Satellite Broadband Gives Boost To Regional Business
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
A remodelled paddle boat on a dam in Hattah Kulkyne National Park, north west Victoria is an unlikely place of business but is proving an educational centre for regional organisations.
Stan Sleep, managing director of Canoe Images and Registered Training Office, Alternative Motivation Life Academy, has used satellite broadband to diversify his business.
“Prior to receiving the fast internet connection, I ran experimental outdoor team-building sessions, now it’s sophisticated, indoor leadership training.
“Participants use the technology to track moon cycles and understand complex weather patterns and we monitor the latest big picture trends using right and left hand brain techniques,” says Mr Sleep.
The new broadband service has allowed the small business to attract high profile clientele such as the Country Fire Authority and Department of Education.
“The new revenue stream is only possible with broadband which I did not think I could get here, eighty-five kilometres south of Mildura where we use a generator for electricity supply,” he says.
Activ8me installed the satellite broadband in May 2008.
The largest provider of satellite broadband in the country, Active8me has brought affordable high speed internet connections to 32,000 Australians in regional and remote locations.
Tony Bundrock, CEO of Activ8me, says there is a perception that satellite broadband is less effective or more expensive than ADSL or wireless.
“It is not the inferior service that many believe, in fact we are finding many businesses in Australia are benefiting from the reliability of the satellite broadband connection,” says Mr Bundrock.
“Satellite broadband has overcome the problems regional Australians had with receiving adequate download speeds, much as those available with traditional dial-up services.
“As the National Broadband Network rolls out over the next few years, we anticipate that true national coverage will only be possible with the involvement of satellite broadband,” says Mr Bundrock.
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