Broadband Way to Go

The Chamber is excited about Parramatta Council's ParraConnect concept and looks forward to more details and to being closely involved with the elements which affect business.

Council describes ParraConnect as an initiative which explores ways digital technologies can improve communities. A connected city and community framework designed to link existing programs as well as foster the development of new digital initiatives in the local public sphere, spanning the cultural, educative, enterprising and socially inclusive interests. ParraConnect evolved from a partnership between CivicTEC and Parramatta City Council.

At the recent launch of ParraConnect, Council announced some of the early components including the Wireless CBD proposal and a digital small business education initiative.

The Chamber certainly looks forward to understanding more about the proposed small business education initiative. Small business is one of the essential drivers behind the Australian economy and a group that is always in need of time-efficient delivery models for increasing their knowledge and capabilities.

Should Council succeed in developing a high-speed WiFi network across Parramatta CBD, the key elements to making such a network a valuable tool are applications and content.

Applications already discussed include a parking space finder, interactive tourist experiences, entertainment and travel timetables as well as shopping and restaurant guides.

Imagine arriving in Parramatta for the first time and your mobile phone logs onto a local portal which loads a guided tourism walk with commentary, gives you a preview of what performances are on at Riverside Theatre, tells you the performance times and allows you to book tickets. You may want directions to stores offering discounts on various shopping items. You may wish to find a particular type of restaurant, and whilst enjoying your meal you notice an Eels home game kicks-off soon so you book tickets and receive directions to Parramatta Stadium as well.