Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast (RDAMNC) hosted the THE (Technology Health Education) Exchange, a free event with exhibitors and seminars from a range of companies and institutions closely connected to the National Broadband Network (NBN).

It was an opportunity for everyone from casual surfers to business owners and public service providers to find out how high-speed broadband can open up seemingly endless possiblities.

Presentations and live demonstrations illustrated how the target groups of people in the health, education and business sectors will be able to get the most out of the NBN when it is rolled out in the Macleay.

RDAMNC executive officer Peter Tregilgas expressed his excitement at what it will mean for the region.

“Nambucca has the NBN already, and it’s next door,” he said.

“Kempsey and elsewhere in the Macleay will have high-speed broadband within three years.

“Broadband is not just about entertainment, but also how the future delivery of health programs, home clinical services and education seminars will open up the region.

“Fixed wireless connections speeds are 25 megabytes per second (mb/sec) for downloads, and 5mb/sec for uploads.

“This is monumental.”

Tony Gibbs, NBN Co stakeholder and community relations spokesperson, said consumers signing up would have routers installed free of charge and would pay only for the broadband service.