People in the Upper Lachlan Shire need to elevate internet and mobile service issues to the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) to ensure a slice of a $400 million regional connectivity plan says chair of the Upper Lachlan Business Association Susan Reynolds.
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The DPC is seeking feedback via a survey to plan and prioritise the roll out of a more reliable and faster network in regional Australia.
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Customers have until December 31 to complete the survey.
"A lot of of our micro and small businesses are run from home based addresses of which a percentage of those are run on-farm."
"We are competing against 20 other regional centres for growth unless we have reliable wi-fi tech here we will struggle," Ms Reynolds said.
People working in the agriculture sector are also encouraged to provide industry-specific advice about the Internet of Things and other digital applications that will drive productivity gains in the sector.
The Upper Lachlan Shire is known to have connectivity issues by the DPC. Recently, face-to-face consultations were held with constituents.
Rural land owners said they faced issues from mobile phone coverage, paying extra per month for a landline ($60) and satellite technology ($120), contacting the emergency services in times of crisis, damage to mobile phone infrastructure and device outages.
"People need the peace of mind that in the case of emergency they would have communication with the outside world."
By 2024, Telstra will turn off its 3G network, which is heavily relied upon by regional and remote residents.
Areas will be serviced by 4G, 4GX or 5G by this time, Michael Marom, Telstra area general manager told Australian Community Media.
As the technology evolves Telstra customers will have to update their equipment to 4G compatible handsets, boosters and aerials. But Telstra coverage at telstra.com.au currently showed significant black spots in 4G coverage.
Telstra 4G base stations for small cells are planned for Tuena, Wayo and Wombeyan Caves. Installed bases run off 3G or 4GX technology.
Residents can complete the digital connectivity survey at: nsw.gov.au on the page 'Better connectivity for regional NSW', or pick up a hard copy at Service NSW centres and councils.
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