BroadbandNow to help get Australia connected

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan has introduced BroadbandNow - a one-stop consumer help centre offering a broadband information service to all Australians.

According to the Senator, BroadbandNow is relevant for people living and working in regional and remote Australia who do not have ready access to information concerning access to broadband.

“It is critical for consumers to have access to the most up-to-date broadband information in a centralised location," she said. “BroadbandNow will provide telephone and web information to help consumers understand the technology options available to them and provide information about how to get connected.”

BroadbandNow has a dedicated website (www.broadbandnow.gov.au) which will include a broadband service locator for consumers to identify the various broadband services available to them at their premises.

The initiative also includes a dedicated call centre to respond to consumer enquiries, particularly for those without an existing Internet service. The BroadbandNow hotline can be accessed on 1800 883 488, Monday to Friday 8am-9pm EST.

Located within the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, BroadbandNow will provide information for consumers on all sorts of broadband topics including: how to obtain access broadband; what each of the various broadband technologies means for consumers; and whether individual consumers are eligible for government assistance programs such as the Australian Broadband Guarantee.

Coonan said Broadband is now part of the Australian Government’s Australia Connected initiative announced recently which commits to providing fast affordable broadband access to all Australians, no matter where they live.