Tasmanian Premier David Bartlett joined Hybrid TV CEO Robbee Minicola on Wednesday 25 November 2009 to launch Hybrid SmartStreet Project to a national audience. The project is the first of many involving the State Government, which will demonstrate the value of the National Broadband Network to Tasmanian families and businesses. The Premier’s Office released the following press release outlining the role and scope of the research project.
“The future is here right now in Tasmania.
“Hybrid SmartStreet will simulate for the first time how the NBN will bring new and innovative services to Tasmanian homes.
“Tasmanians who already have fibre to the premises through the State Government’s previous TasCOLT trial will be invited to participate in a 12 month SmartStreet trial.
“This initiative will not only allow people to better understand what the NBN will mean to their quality of life, but also allow them to influence the development of new services,” Mr Bartlett said.
Hybrid SmartStreet is primarily a research project. Participants will be given a TiVo media device which in addition to providing access to high definition TV, will allow access to existing broadband services via Hybrid TV’s CASPA portal.
These services will be delivered into people’s homes on their TV screens and accessed via a remote control.
“While not everyone has a computer at home, most people do have at least one TV and know how to use a basic remote control making the TV screen the perfect delivery device for broadband services.
“The State Government has gotten involved with the Hybrid SmartStreet project to gain a better understanding of people’s broadband behaviour, how they like to interact with this new technology and to learn about the type of services made possible by the NBN, that Tasmanians actually want in the future and would subscribe to.
“These results will be made public and inform future application development,” Mr Bartlett said.
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by the Tasmanian Government with Hybrid TV. The agreement will see the development, delivery and trial of three core government services via participants TV screens.
“These services will revolve around education, emergency services such as fire readiness and what to do in an emergency, and around developing a community in the home,” Mr Bartlett said.
Under the terms of the MoU the Tasmanian Government has committed to covering the access fee for Tastel customers (within the TasCOLT footprint) to participate in the trial, plus the cost of installation and support services. Up to $100,000 has been allocated from within the Department of Economic Development’s existing budget.
“Again Tasmania is leading the way.
“I have said that by 2014 I want Tasmania to be the most connected place in the world and now I want to ensure we are also the leaders in how this infrastructure is used and exploited.
“I want this state to become the most progressive adopter of digital technology.”
“It is through digital technology that Tasmania can break down the social and economic barriers that exist between urban, regional and rural areas.
“Projects like Hybrid SmartStreet are part of that process.”
Further information: Tasmanian Government Communications Unit
Phone: (03) 6233 6573
