The South West is a regional economic powerhouse – generating $12.4 billion in 2009-10. 
Leading Communications
Communications and Information Technology
Creating the right environment is important for attracting innovative industries.
That is why the South West Development Commission is continually working to improve communications infrastructure and information technology in the region.
The rollout of the national broadband network in the South West and the development of free wireless internet access in Bunbury's main street are just two projects the Commission is working on to make the region an even more attractive place to do business.
The region is fortunate to already have in place many of the services and facilities necessary for companies to conduct international business from the region − and as a result an increasing number of innovative companies are moving to the South West region.
Access for everyone
Community Resource Centres (formerly known as Telecentres) operate throughout the region for people living and working in rural towns and communities.
Community-owned and operated, the centres provide access to high-speed internet; two-way video conferencing; education and training; as well as government information and referral services.
Leading technology
A digital animation studio that creates computer generated effects for international films and television series from its base in Bunbury is just one example of a South West company successfully working on a global scale. The company was able to establish operations in Bunbury because of the presence of a world-class data centre, which had partially been funded by the Commission.
The provision of cutting edge communications infrastructure and information technology means people can carry out business with counterparts in places such as Beijing or London − and even Hollywood − from the comfort of the enviable South West region.
Broadband
ADSL Broadband internet is available in the larger urban areas and most townships throughout the South West. Outside these areas, broadband connections subsidised by the Commonwealth government are available.
Most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer connections at similar prices to Perth. Broadband is delivered by either copper (ADSL), 3G mobile networks (wireless broadband) or satellite.
Selected urban areas and towns also have access to ADSL 2+ offering speeds up to 20Mbps. Bunbury CBD has ADSL2+ offered by multiple carriers.
Cable-based broadband services are available in some new housing estates.
Securing the future rollout of the national broadband network in the South West is high on the South West Development Commission's agenda. It is leading a stakeholders group which is working to promote the region as a priority area for the future rollout of the national broadband network. The Commission's objective is to achieve 10-100 megabytes for domestic use and 1-10 gigabytes for business and wireless throughout the region.
Find out more about the national broadband initiative.
WiFi
The South West Development Commission, along with the Bunbury Chamber of Commerce and Industries City of Bunbury, is working to ensure the main business strip in Bunbury becomes a "WiFi hotspot", offering free wireless internet access to visitors with their own laptop or similar device.
Phone
Mobile phone coverage is available through a number of carriers
including Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. Coverage is comprehensive in
urban and most rural areas although gaps still occur in less
populated parts of the region including national parks and some
major roads such as the South Western Highway north of
Walpole.
Nearly all of the region's population has access to land-based
telephone services.
Television and radio
South West residents receive television from a range of networks including the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC TV), SBS (Special Broadcasting Service) Golden West Network (GWN), and WIN Television.
Networks are now broadcasting free to view digital transmission in some areas of the South West, providing improved picture and sound quality, and widescreen images. Digital channels include SBS and ABC TV.
Satellite Pay-TV services are available.
ABC Radio and a number of AM and FM frequency commercial and community radio services are also available throughout most of the region.
Bunbury's world-class data centre houses a digital animation studio that creates international standard effects for movies and television.
