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Field Solutions wins third QLD “Building our Regions” Grant

Technology
ASX:FSG      MCAP $17.01M
13 October 2019 23:16 (AEDT)

Field Solutions Holdings (FSG) has been awarded its third “Building our Regions” Grant by Paroo Shire, Queensland.

FSG provides, builds and operates broadband networks, specifically for rural, regional and remote Australia.

The $365 million “Building our Regions” is a program that supports local government infrastructure projects in regional communities that create flow-on economic development opportunities and jobs.

Under the agreement so far, the company will be building a network across Baloo Shire, Paroo Shire to the Baloone Shire.

The company developed a shire-wide plan for six councils in southern Queensland, that was successful in obtaining Queensland State Government “Building our Regions” funding, totalling up to $6 million.

Digital Connectivity is severely lacking in all six shires and the “Building our Regions” funding is being used to fund the construction and operation of this new
network jointly.

“FSG has pioneered a community-led strategy to build a network where the businesses and residents are within the Shire boundaries,” FSG CEO Andrew Roberts.

The company helps the local council and businesses with operational efficiencies, delivering cloud-capable symmetric services, asymmetric services for the residents, and commercial-grade Internet of thing (IoT) service.

FSG co-investing in these networks, to ensure it delivers non-NBN true broadband solutions for regional, rural and remote Queensland.

“The awarding of this third contract reinforces the need to for councils to work in a collaborative way to ensure we leverage the economies of scale as we introduce this new network”, Andrew said.

“Our commitment is for a minimum of 10 years, so with the current three tender wins we are able to build once and deliver a comprehensive cross shire network,” he added.

The company said that the network planning is to commence this month, while the construction actives are expected to commence before Christmas.

“Working with the local government, businesses and residents who are getting behind this project has been the key to success,” Andrew said.

“By working together, re-using in-place council assets and planning the roll-out, we can cost effectively and efficiently deploy our network where NBN can only provide satellite services,” Andrew added.

With three grants already won, the company is optimistic about finalising the remaining grants during November.

Field Solutions Holdings is up 5.26 per cent on the Australian Securities Exchange and is selling shares for 2¢ apiece at 10:37 am AEDT.

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