New nbn zone set to make life easier for Narngulu businesses with fast, reliable broadband

Life is set to become easier for businesses in Narngulu after a deal was struck between the City of Greater Geraldton and nbn Co to set up a new business fibre zone.

Reliable and high-speed business graded broadband was scheduled to arrive this week in the industrial area, which will enable businesses to access business nbn Enterprise Ethernet with no charge from nbn Co for the design and construction.

This will be at the equivalent wholesale price as Perth businesses when ordering an eligible service on a three-year plan through their phone and internet provider.

The City has called the arrangement a “win-win for everyone”, especially for local businesses with the absence of upfront costs.

“We are pleased to partner with nbn Co on the roll-out, which will allow businesses in the area to access fast and reliable internet — a non-negotiable in this day-and-age,” mayor Shane Van Styn said.

“Internet connectivity and reliability has been a challenge at the Bowerbird and Meru Landfill, and the area as a whole, and we have reallocated $100,000 from the budget to enable this project that will benefit City operations as well as local business owners.”

Head of nbn Local WA Naomi Evans said the local investment would help bolster communication reliability in an area.

“For decades the location of a business has been the determining factor in the price they pay for business-grade fibre,” she said.

“The new business fibre zone in Narngulu helps to level the playing field, ensuring that more businesses throughout Australia can participate in the digital economy on an equal footing.”

The nbn business fibre zone — which complements the existing Geraldton business fibre zone — was scheduled to be available for Narngulu businesses to order through a phone and internet provider from February 3.