Dandaragan and surrounds expected to benefit from new broadband services and wireless towers

Dandaragan residents can expect increased levels of connectivity, with a new broadband service available across Badgingarra, Dandaragan, Jurien Bay and Nambung.

Shire of Dandaragan president Tony O’Gorman said the completion of the infrastructure meant residents would have better access to mobile networks and Wi-Fi.

“Particularly in Dandaragan, mobile reception has been pretty poor,” he said.

“This gives that opportunity for people to connect to a different provider so that they can get mobile coverage out in those areas.”

Funded by the State Government’s Digital Farm Grants Program, the initiative aims to connect businesses and communities in regional WA through reliable and affordable broadband services.

Four new fixed wireless towers have been delivered to the area to increase connection and improve radio transmission.

Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson said the service was available to more than 90 per cent of premises in the populated areas of Dandaragan Shire.

“The project has also delivered improved mobile phone coverage and service by providing customers the ability to rebroadcast broadband capacity around properties with Wi-Fi links,” he said.

The infrastructure will be built by Logic IT Solutions and delivery managed by Southern Cross Broadband.

The area has struggled with connectivity issues.

“We know reliable telecommunications and connectivity remain critical to economic participation, service access, and social inclusion in our regional communities,” Wheatbelt Minister Sabine Winton said.

She said the project would enable rural farming businesses to use modern technology.

Mr O’Gorman said the project would “connect our farming communities to make sure that they have mobile coverage and internet access”.

The new service will also benefit the Dandaragan Community Resource Centre and Recreation Centre, as Logic IT Solutions will also provide free community Wi-Fi services.