Victoria On Fast Track To Next Gen Mobile Technolgy

Victoria On Fast Track To Next Gen Mobile Technology


Media release - 6 June 2007

Victoria is in prime position to capitalise on the lucrative next generation mobile revolution, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Tim Holding, said today, launching Australia’s first mobile data industry cluster in Broadmeadows.

“With the worldwide 3G subscriber base growing at 107 per cent each year and projected to reach 500 million by 2010, there is no doubt about the enormous market opportunity in next generation mobile technologies,” Mr Holding said.

“The testing centre will help Victorian companies get their share of the economic opportunities available with next generation mobile technology.”

Mr Holding said the next generation of Australians was embracing next generation mobile technology. “The average 21-year-old has exchanged 250,000 emails, instant and text messages and spent 10,000 hours on the mobile phone.

“The Victorian ICT industry is at the cutting edge of innovation and next generation mobile technologies are adding to that reputation,” Mr Holding said.

“Today we are launching an Australian-first cluster of organisations which are collaborating in a unique testbed environment, boasting the most comprehensive mobile testing equipment in the Asia Pacific region.

“The Mobility Mesh cluster has nine communications and Government organisations under the one roof, giving start-up companies the unique opportunity to test new mobile applications across a variety of wireless platforms, such as WiMAX and 4G.

“This collaborative approach means Victorian ICT companies are on a fast track to commercial success with their new mobile products, giving our companies a competitive edge.”

Mr Holding said, “The Mobility Mesh cluster builds on the success of the Design Development and Commercialisation Centre launched less than 18 months ago by the Bracks Government.

“It’s a testimony to the success of the collaborative approach that the Centre has now expanded to establish this Mobility Mesh cluster,” Minister Holding said.

“Since 1999, the Bracks Government has been responsible for attracting and facilitating more than $1.5 billion of investment and more than 10,000 jobs in the ICT sector.

“Since 2002, the ICT industry in Victoria has grown by more than 21,000 jobs.”

The Mobility Mesh cluster is comprised of MAP Venture Partners, Hume City Council, Ericsson Australia, Intel Corporation, Hyro Limited, La Trobe University, Swinburne University of Technology, M2M Connectivity Pty Ltd and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s “New Media” Unit.