Narrogin internet service provider secures grant to improve digital connectivity in the region

Southern Wheatbelt residents and businesses will have improved Internet access after a Narrogin-based service provider secured a Federal Government grant to boost connectivity in the region. Internet service provider CRISP Wireless was successful in securing funding through round two of the Federal Government’s Regional Connectivity Program to install 11 new repeater stations. A repeater station is a secondary broadcast station designed to expand the reach of an existing fixed wireless internet tower to give more residents or businesses access to high-speed internet. There will be one repeater station installed in Wickepin, three in Kulin, two in Quairading, two in Kondinin, one in Yilgarn and two in Dowerin. CRISP Wireless chief executive Leigh Ballard said he was proud that a WA regional provider had been given the chance to help regional people improve connectivity, not only for their personal life but also their business. “Hopefully through better connectivity regional business can not only survive but also grow,” he said. Under round one of the funding, CRISP Wireless received $3,773,000 to deploy fixed wireless networks across the Wheatbelt to improve connectivity, according to the funding breakdown. The aim of the funding was to support the uptake of new agricultural and business technologies, as well improving residential access to services such as telehealth and education. “The repeater stations will greatly enhance connectivity to the central, eastern and southern parts of the central Wheatbelt,” O’Connor MHR Rick Wilson said. “The project will extend the existing CRISP Wireless network, supported under round one of the Regional Connectivity Program, to the six Wheatbelt shires. “I think it’s fantastic that a local provider has taken the initiative to vastly improve connectivity across the Wheatbelt.” Federal Regional Communications Minister Bridget McKenzie said digital connectivity was key in the event of natural disasters and emergencies. “As the last two years have shown, digital connectivity is an essential part of how we work, learn, stay healthy and remain in contact with loved ones and also to manage, adapt to and recover from an increasing range of natural disasters,” she said.