The NBN Connect Roadshow comes to town to showcase the benefits of fast broadband

Starting today, residents of Ballarat will have the opportunity to learn more about the national broadband network (NBN) and the many benefits it offers homes and businesses, as the Connect Roadshow comes to town.

Located at Bridge Mall Shopping Centre until 2 April 2015, the Connect Roadshow is in town to generate awareness about the availability of the NBN in Ballarat and the wider region.  It features NBN Co experts available to answer community questions and an enormous ‘NBN’ letter sculpture that local artists, schools students and community leaders are invited to paint in a way that visualises what the NBN means to the local community.

Yellow Espresso Café on Sturt Street offering free Wi-Fi to their customers, powered by NBN.  From 24 March to 17 April 2015, residents of Ballarat can experience the benefits of fast broadband over the NBN on their smartphone, tablet or laptop whilst enjoying a free coffee from the café.*

Throughout the week the Connect Roadshow team will also host information sessions specially designed for families and seniors to help them connect to the network and understand how they can start experiencing its many benefits.  Several phone and internet service providers will also have marquees set up beside the NBN Co stand to help residents choose the right NBN plan for their household or business needs.

NBN Co Spokesperson, Trent Williams said:

“Ballarat is one of the most connected cities in Australia, so the NBN Connect Roadshow is about helping residents to get online and start realising the benefits of fast broadband.

“When connected the network will help people access e-health, distance education and entertainment on demand, whilst businesses have the ability to increase productivity, reduce costs and access new markets.

“However, the move to the national broadband network is not automatic.  So I encourage everyone in the region to contact their preferred phone and internet service provider or come visit us at the Connect Roadshow.”

City of Ballarat CEO, Anthony Schinck said:

“Residents of Ballarat and its surrounds have long been sufferers of the digital divide between city and country.  By connecting to the NBN, homes and businesses are now able to realise the full potential of the internet – something that’s been taken for granted in the major cities for many years.”

Garden State Insurance Brokers General Manager, David Jellett said:

“The NBN has been a revelation for our business.  It’s enabled our Ballarat office act as an IT hub for our Melbourne and Gold Coast branches, resulting in many cost and productivity efficiencies.

The superior connectivity has also meant our phone and internet services are much more reliable, leading to faster and more efficient communications with our clients and suppliers.  In the future we expect to drive further efficiencies via automated backup of files and video conferencing.”

Residents can find out whether they are eligible to connect to the national broadband network as well as more information about the areas scheduled to complete the transition to the network by visiting nbnco.com.au/switch.

Media enquiries:

Grant Thomas
M: 0417 554 787
E: grant.thomas@nbnco.com.au

NBN Co Media Hotline
P: 02 9927 4200
E: media@nbnco.com.au

Media materials:

Download supporting video, audio and image files here.

NBN Connect Roadshow Information Sessions:

Date	Time	Event	Location
24 March	10am	Event Launch	Bridge Mall, Ballarat
25 – 27 March	9am-5pm	Q&A Kiosk	Stockland, Wendouree
28 March	10am-2pm	Family Day	Bridge Mall, Ballarat
29 March	9am-5pm	Q&A Kiosk	Ballarat Markets, Ballarat
30 March & 1 April	10am	Seniors Coffee Morning	Bridge Mall, Ballarat

Further Information Sessions happening around the region:

City	Date	Time	Location
29 March	9am – 4pm	Q&A Kiosk	Anderson’s Mill, Smeaton
30 March – 1 April	9am-5pm	Q&A Kiosk	Woodgrove Shopping Centre, Melton

Notes to editor:

• Homes and businesses need to take the following steps to connect to the NBN:

1. Contact your preferred internet service provider or phone company:

a. If you have a medical alarm or alert (or a family member, carer or friend) you are encouraged to register your details with NBN Co’s Medical Alarm Register by calling 1800 227 300 or complete the online form at nbnco.com.au/medicalregister.

b. If you have an EFTPOS terminal, fax or alarm system, call the provider of that service (for example your bank) to ask what internet or landline phone services over the NBN will support the device.

c. If your building has an emergency lift phone and/or a fire indicator panel you are encouraged to register your details with NBN Co so these services can be identified by calling 1800 687 626.

d. Contact your preferred phone company or internet service provider and discuss your requirements.

2. Choose a plan that suits your needs.

3. Order your service over the NBN as soon as possible.

• A standard installation of NBN equipment is currently free of charge. Residents should ask their preferred service provider if they have any other fees.  For more information visit www.nbnco.com.au

* One coffee per customer per day. Offer not available for take away coffee orders. Dine in only. Offer available 23/3/15-19/4/15.

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