The proposed International Submarine Broadband connection will provide a digital connection between Sunshine Coast and the leading markets of Asia and the United States. The project could generate an additional $700 million for the Sunshine Coast economy every year, and contribute a staggering $1.1 billion to the State’s annual economy (independent modelling forecasts by the AEC Group).
Council has lodged a submission with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to declare an offshore cable protection zone that will enable the private sector to deliver an international submarine broadband connection into the Sunshine Coast. If successful, the Sunshine Coast will be the only regional centre in Australia to offer direct international broadband connectivity to global markets.
The Sunshine Coast, which has a long-term reliance on the construction and tourism industries, can broaden its economic base and become an enticing location for an expanded white collar economy that will benefit from the greater speed and bandwidth the cable and landing location provides.
These qualities are attractive for businesses seeking milli-second advantages, such as the banking and finance sectors and other industries that are heavily reliant on online transactions.
Access to this high level facility will be a game changer for the Sunshine Coast University hospital, allowing new services such as remote diagnostics and clinical treatments.
Currently, there are only five international broadband connections into Australia with four into Sydney and one into Perth. The Sunshine Coast would be number six.
Both Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk have thrown their full support for Council’s submission to ACMA.
