“Traditionally, regional communities in Australia have been left
behind when it comes to adopting new technologies due the large
numbers of isolated towns and cities. This has been no more
apparent than with the Internet. Many rural communities simply
have not been given the opportunity to get online, let alone enjoy
all the benefits available to Australians in the highly populated
cities. However, thanks to the initiative of two avid Linux users,
a network spanning more than 45 towns over an area of 412 000
square kilometres in Southern Inland Queensland has now been
established.“
“GrowZone Online (www.growzone.net.au) provides affordable
internet access to thousands of people. Since Internet access in
the region was extremely costly at $6-$12 per hour, there was
little or no use. Furthermore, commercial ISPs saw little economic
interest due to low return on investments. With GrowZone Online
being a non-profit organisation, combined with all the local access
points established, Internet access is charged at local call rates
of $2.85 per hour.”
“GrowZone Online is a project of the Growzone Development
Network which is a Regional Economic Development Organisation. The
network conducts projects designed to boost the region’s
economies.”