In a pioneering move for regional South Australia, Internode has launched fully-symmetric business broadband services for Mount Gambier that are typically offered only in capital cities. It is also delivering Extreme ADSL2+ plans that are only available on its high-performance equipment.

To boost its presence in Mount Gambier, Internode has installed a free Internode wireless hotspot at the town’s Public Library. This allows visitors with a wireless-equipped notebook computer or handheld device to browse the web for free. Internode has also installed hotspots at the local Town Hall and Function Centre and several other locations in Mount Gambier.

Located 450km from Adelaide, Mount Gambier is the regional centre of the Limestone Coast in the south east of SA, an area with rich agricultural, forestry, fishing and winery resources. Internode has hundreds of customers in Mount Gambier, from residential subscribers to major organisations including Scott’s Transport, OG Roberts, Barry Maney Ford and the Mount Gambier City Council.

Internode Corporate Account Manager Dylan Street, who grew up in Mount Gambier, said Internode’s launch of competitive ADSL2+ services was a boon for business. “Many of our Mount Gambier customers are still using first generation broadband because of the high cost of ADSL2+,” he said.

“By installing our own equipment, we will put downward pressure on ADSL2+ prices, making high-speed broadband more affordable for local people. Internode has also launched a range of value-added services such as our Extreme SHDSL service for businesses.”

Internode’s Extreme SHDSL (Symmetric High-speed Digital Subscriber Line) services deliver both downstream and upstream Internet access at guaranteed speeds from five to 40 megabits per second (Mbps). This fully-symmetrical service is aimed at businesses that have outgrown the uplink capacity of their ADSL2+ Internet connection, but find optical fibre Ethernet alternatives too expensive. Even traditional leased line solutions, which offer limited speed and scalability, can be cost-prohibitive.

Internode’s launch of its own ADSL2+ equipment in Mount Gambier will also introduce customers in the town to new features such as Annex M, which can double upload speeds for SOHO and Business customers with compatible equipment.

Mr. Street said Internode was delighted to now offer Mount Gambier customers the same great range of choices available elsewhere in Australia. “The cost of transferring data between the South East and Adelaide had previously held us back,” he said.

“Now, with this hurdle overcome, it’s a whole new ballgame with faster plans, more affordable prices and a much wider range of services."