FASTER internet speeds could soon light up the Bunbury central business district with the launch of a new trial service.
Bunbury telecommunications provider CipherTel and international equipment supplier Calix connected the Vue Group animation studio to the service last week.
The new connection gives the business a one gigabit connection which is faster than most businesses in Australia.
CipherTel managing director Anthony Frontino said the one gigabit service made available in Bunbury was groundbreaking.
“This is the first time we know of it being done in Australia at an all-encompassing consumer level,” Mr Frontino said.
“The new technology is based on those being applied in the USA and we are working with local stakeholders to extend the services in the CBD.”
Bunbury Chamber of Commerce and Industries representative David Kerr said the development positioned Bunbury as the business headquarters for the South West.
“It supports the status of Bunbury as the regional capital and places us at the forefront of opportunities driven by online technologies,” Mr Kerr said.
South West Development Commission chief executive officer Don Punch said the development highlighted the South West’s growth as a hub for the creative and smart industries.
“This is a terrific achievement that not only increases Vue Group’s competitiveness in the global marketplace but also placed the South West on the map as a base for carrying out tech-driver work such as animation,” Mr Punch said.
Vue Group managing director Alan Lindsay said the faster upload and download speeds would greatly assist his business.
“It is the difference between sending files to China over two days and sending them in a couple of hours,” Mr Lindsay said.
“It provides us with world-leading technology and allows us to run our business from a regional area.”
