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"Global prize for Townsville points way to smarter cities, says NBN"

10 March 2011

NBN Co Limited, the company building Australia's National Broadband Network, today welcomed the announcement that Townsville has been selected as one of 24 cities worldwide to be awarded a grant to use technology to make the city smarter and more liveable.

The $400,000 prize was announced today by global technology firm IBM as part of its Smarter Cities corporate citizenship initiative.

The city of Townsville already leads the way in technology leadership as one of the first cities in Australia to be connected to the National Broadband Network.

The NBN is connecting a fibre optic broadband service capable of speeds of up to 100Mbps to 3100 premises in the western suburbs of Townsville. One of five NBN pilot sites on the Australian mainland, it covers parts of the suburbs of Aitkenvale and Mundingburra, and is bounded by Ross River Road, China Street, the Ross River and the Bruce Highway/Nathan Street.

NBN Co's Head of Corporate Services, Mr. Kevin Brown said:

"This global prize confirms Townsville's status as one of the world's smartest cities. It is attracting the world's attention because its use of intelligent technology, including the NBN and smart grids, is a blueprint for making cities more sustainable and better places to live."

Mr. Brown said NBN Co looked forward to working with IBM's experts and the City of Townsville to help drive sustainable growth and prosperity through the strategic use of technology.

Contact:

Rhonda Griffin
Phone 02 9927 4015
Mobile 0428 134 401

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