Premier David Bartlett has issued a press release calling on Tasmanians to contribute to an Optic Fibre Roundtable, in order to seek new ideas and directions for future broadband opportunities.

Whilst the government is working through the timing for the Roundtable, the TECC encourages interested parties to start thinking about and sharing their ideas relating to the benefits of broadband for Tasmania.

Industry invited to have say on Optic Fibre

Premier David Bartlett today pledged to extract maximum benefit from increased telecommunications opportunities.

This follows an historic agreement between Aurora and Basslink on Monday to light up the Basslink optic fibre cable.

“I want to explore opportunities to harness this technology and fully capitalise on its potential.

“For that reason I will be convening an industry roundtable at the earliest opportunity to discuss ideas on how we can make the most of our investment.”

Mr Bartlett said the roundtable would bring together people from ICT and other industries including tourism, health, education and the community sector.

“I anticipate that this roundtable will generate a great deal of creative ideas about how we can now put this asset to best use.

“It will open a whole range of opportunities and new directions.

“As Premier I want to see a clear plan for turning those ideas into concrete actions.

“ICT should be seen not just as a driver for economic growth it is also a potent facilitator of social change.

“It can dramatically improve the quality of life for people disadvantaged by remoteness or an inability to access specific services.

“I want to explore e-health, e-learning and e-commerce.

“Information technology is a crucial piece of the puzzle in building a clever, kind and connected Tasmania.”

Mr Bartlett said there was a real opportunity to take Tasmania from the bottom of the pile to the top of the heap in terms of information technology and broadband.

“This is something I am very passionate about.

“That is why we will also continue to pursue a fourth cable to bring even more competition and capacity to Tasmania.”