Watergate is wired for speed

Watergate is wired for speed

Docklands’ Watergate building will soon provide its residents with connection to a high-speed internet, via a fibre-optic network.

The building will be one of the first residential towers in Docklands to connect to a fibre-optic network, after the Watergate owners corporation (OC) signed a contract with provider Spirit last month.

The move gives the building a technological edge over other buildings in Docklands, which are still awaiting NBN connection and have long given up on VicUrban’s (now Places Victoria) failed iPORT scheme.

Currently, The Quays in NewQuay and Lacrosse on Latrobe St, are the only residential buildings in Docklands connected to the NBN.

Although Docklands is not in an NBN rollout area, NBN Co is required, at a developer’s request, to install the necessary infrastructure into developments of over 100 premises that are approved after January 1, 2011.

Watergate building manager Marshall Delves said the introduction of a fibre connection would be a great selling point for the building.

“It’s going to be more attractive for new owners or tenants coming through,” Mr Delves said.

Mr Delves said, given a choice, new owners and tenants would jump at buildings that have a high-speed connection.

Mr Delves said residents would benefit from Wifi spots around the building including the gym, pool and business centre, where they will be able to pick up a high-speed connection.

Watergate resident and technical director of DockCom IT, Mark Stytsenko was asked to research the best fibre-optic service for Watergate.

He said the connection would be particularly attractive for people who had home offices.

According to Mr Stytsenko, the key benefit of a fibre-optic connection was greater reliability and faster internet speed.

He said the fibre connection would allow Watergate residents to watch high-definition IPTV and YouTube clips, speak with relatives or business associates worldwide via high-quality video conferencing and, ultimately, would better service the needs of users in the modern internet age.

According to Watergate OC chair Barbara Francis, the OC had signed off on the proposal very quickly, with the value of the service to the building apparent.

“The beauty of this is that it’s going to happen now and we’re not going to have to wait,” Ms Francis said.

“Of course it is optional. It will be there for people to connect to if they choose to.”

Residents will be able to connect to the network from December 2.

Residents can attend an information and demonstration night at the Watergate business centre on November 14 and November 27 from 7pm to 8pm to learn more about fibre-optic technology.

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