WiMAX switched on in South Australia

Adelaide became the first city in Australia to utilise WiMAX broadband technology as South Australian ISP Adam Internet yesterday switched on its AdamMax broadband network.

Connecting more than 8000 residential and business users in Adelaide that are unable to receive fixed line ADSL services, the AdamMax WiMAX network eventually aims to provide Internet access to over 350 broadband black spots across South Australia.

A wireless broadband technology, WiMAX offers access to ADSL2-equivalent services via the installation of a low profile antenna on a building's roof. The antenna then transmits data wirelessly between the premises and a WiMAX base station. WiMAX technology is theoretically capable of download speeds of up to 144 megabits per second (Mbps), though the AdamMax network is rated at a maximum of 12Mbps.

The first stage of Adam Internet's WiMAX rollout connected South Australian customers in Reynella, Morphett Vale and Sheidow Park. Further installations are planned for the suburbs of Aberfoyle Park, Lonsdale, Seaford Meadows, Moana, McLaren Vale and Aldinga Beach.

"Today is an exciting day for South Australia, and particularly for the southern suburbs," said Adam Internet chairperson Greg Hicks. "After years of receiving substandard technology solutions, residents can now access high speed Internet services through the AdamMax product."

"The ability to access ADSL-comparable broadband is critical to households and businesses alike, and to date, many people have been doing it tough. Today, Adelaide has taken the first step towards remedying the situation, ensuring our city is on a par with other locations across the country," he continued.

As the Adam Internet WiMAX rollout is jointly funded by the South Australian government, eligible homes and business will be subsided to cover the cost of installation and connection to the AdamMax network.

"The Rudd Government is very pleased to support this important project to deliver broadband to homes and businesses in advance of the National Broadband Network," said Senator Steven Conroy, Minister for Broadband Communications and the Digital Economy.

"The Adam Internet network will help ensure people in broadband black spots across metropolitan Adelaide have access to broadband and are able to enjoy its positive impact on family and business life."

AdamMax WiMAX broadband plans range from $44.95 per month for 1GB of data to $124.95 for 160GB of data. Uploads are counted in the data quota.

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