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- Field Solutions Holdings has been awarded the first “Building our Regions” grant from the Queensland State Government
- The company will use a local government capital contribution of half a million dollars to increase network connectivity in the regional shire of Bulloo
- Up to A$6 million has been earmarked to get the construction and operation of a new broadband network across six regional shires up and running
Field Solutions Holdings has been awarded the first “Building our Regions” grant from the Queensland State Government.
The company will use a local government capital contribution of half a million dollars to increase network connectivity in the regional shire of Bulloo.
The “Building our Regions” grant targets a serious lapse in digital connectivity over six regional shires within the sunshine state. Up to A$6 million has been earmarked to get the construction and operation of the new broadband network up and running.
The telecommunications grant program is part of a larger initiative by the Queensland Government to provide A$365 million in funding for improving infrastructure, economic conditions and liveability rates in regional communities.
“The grant allows FSG to build a true broadband network within the Shire of Bulloo. FSG takes over where the NBN has no planned terrestrial service,” said Field Solutions Holding’s CEO Andrew Roberts.
“There are some large distances to cover for this project, and our experience and expertise from the recently completed Blackall-Tambo Shire connectivity project have been invaluable to the Company and a source of reassurance to the council,” Andrew explained.
FSG’s network will provide both residents and businesses with internet access across Bulloo Shire. Planning for the project is set to start later this month, with construction to begin right before Christmas.
The announcement comes as FSG was placed on a Local Buy Panel earlier this year, allowing the company to market and provide telecommunications services to all 77 local council areas in Queensland. FSG intends to expand its services into other corners of regional Australia.
“The importance of working with the local government, business and residents getting behind this project has been the key to success. By working together, reusing in-place council assets and planning the roll-out, we can cost effectively and efficiently deploy our network where NBN can only provide satellite services,” Andrew concluded.
The State Government’s remaining grants are expected to be finalised and issued over the coming weeks. Regional communities can apply to be a part of the next round of funding by heading to the Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning’s website.
FSG’s stocks underwent no change on the market today, currently selling for 1.7 cents each.
