After patiently waiting for a faster broadband internet service for the town, many residents of Harden now have access to the new high speed internet service from South Western Wireless Internet. With the installation of the new ‘line of sight’ wireless tower on the hill, above the cemetary, at Demondrille, anyone who can see the tower from their home or business can now connect. Further expansion across town is planned to be rolled out in the following weeks, allowing almost everyone to enjoy the benefits of fast, affordable internet.
This places Harden at the forefront of the Hume electorate as the first town supplied by South West Wireless. Others are already keen to follow in Harden’s footsteps, indicating interest in supplying free wifi to their main streets and fast connections to homes and businesses.
When the service provider describes the service as being fast, it seems it’s not all hype. In fact, the service that is being offered is faster than many services delivered in the major cities, with upload, and download, speeds of up to 100 Mbps, compared with the 20 Mbps being offered by other major providers.
“Because we operate with a smaller population, we don’t have the network congestion that slows the big boys down” explains Stephen Byrne, Director of Marketing and Sales for South West Wireless. He continued, “The only point where it can slow down is at our customer’s equipment. If their computer can handle the speed, we can supply it!” That translates to fast downloads and uploads, uninterrupted movie streaming, and a very different web experience.
The service works on a “point to point” wireless system, which means that it doesn’t require a telephone line to carry the signal. Customers simply attach a small “CPE” receiver to the outside of their home or business and run a standard network cable to their computer, or router, inside. Adding a wifi router to your home can give you access to the internet through every room in your house. Newer “Smart TV’s” can be connected to the service in this way, and bring a host of entertainment options right into your living room. In the same way, computer tablets such as iPads, smartphones, X-box, and other equipment can also be connected, as well as remote monitoring for business, and smart farming devices.
Unique to South Western Wireless Internet is the LocalNet facility. LocalNet refers to the fact that any internet traffic between customers on the system is not charged. This can include voice chat, video chat, emails, or other types of usage. As long as it stays within the local system, it doesn’t count towards either customer’s data allowance. This opens up real opportunities and benefits for those who connect to the service. Home and farm automations systems, for example, can be operated within the network without the customer being charged any extra.
Angus Taylor, in a recent speech at Parliament House commended South West Wireless Internet saying “We need more entrepreneurs like them and an NBN that accepts and encourages these entrepreneurs.” Prime 7 Wagga commented on a story they ran about the service which aired on the 3rd of March this year by saying “It turns out Harden’s now one of the most technologically advanced towns in rural Australia.” This kind of exposure for Harden can only mean good things for the town as new businesses and potential residents see the possibilities for a great life in Harden.
Residents looking for more information can contact South Western Wireless Internet on 6386 3316, visit www.swwcc.com.au, or walk in to Barnes Store Emporium and Cafe and speak to someone in person.
