Logan City Council says it wants to know how digital connectivity is impacting productivity – whether it be at home, work, or both.
And it’s prepared to pay for a four-month study in order to find out.
A plan to explore current network issues is designed to then discover what infrastructure is needed to help make things quicker and better, and where there is no infrastructure at all.
A statement from Council’s economic development chief John Raven said a business case to undertake the investigation will assess not only internet, Wi-Fi and mobile phone networks but will also look at potential benefits from increased fibre-optic cabling, satellite technology and even data centres based in Logan.
A tender needs to undertake the business case, which would be then used to pitch for state and federal money to improve local networks.
“Every resident in Logan deserves the opportunity to access affordable world-class internet and our businesses need access to high-capacity cost-effective networks that allow them to compete globally,” Cr Raven said.
“But we don’t know what we don’t know. This business case will identify what is needed suburb-by-suburb to achieve those goals.
“We will then have the knowledge to fully understand what gaps exist in our digital network and where investment is required.”
Cr Raven said it was important that research was done as soon as possible to understand community needs.
“We won’t be a modern city unless we have a modern digital network,” Cr Raven said.
“Logan is already recognised as the logistics hub of South-East Queensland. To become a health and advanced manufacturing powerhouse, we need next-generation digital infrastructure.”
Expressions of interest will be sought shortly seeking a consultant to steer the business case, which is expected to take up to four months.
Picture: City of Logan Deputy Mayor Jon Raven accesses the internet with Marsden State School students Marie Ash, of Waterford West, and Jess Obersteller, of South Maclean.
