Training services on the National Broadband Network will be provided through a Digital Hub through Adelaide City Council and the City of Prospect.

The Digital Hub will assist in training communities and helping local people and businesses take advantage of the opportunities the NBN offers.

From the federal government’s $23.6 million NBN Digital Hubs and Digital Enterprise programs, Adelaide City Council will receive $630209 to establish a Digital Hub at the Grote Street Library.

Another $620271 will also be provided to the City of Prospect, a neighbouring council of Adelaide to establish a Digital Hub at the Thomas Street Centre.

According to Adelaide City Council, construction on NBN fibre services will have started or have been completed for 36400 homes and businesses across Adelaide City-Prospect by mid-2015 under the three year rollout plan.

Treasurer Wayne Swan said it is essential that people and businesses have the right skills in order to increase the significant benefits” that fast and affordable broadband can deliver with the NBN’s rollout in South Australia.

Member of Adelaide, Kate Ellis said this investment will ensure that local residents and businesses will be amongst the first to “reap the rewards of super fast broadband”.

Adelaide City Council Mayor Stephen Yarwood said the Digital Hub will provide a comprehensive and up-to-date Digital Literacy Training Program to help narrow the gap between those who engage online and those who don’t.

City of Prospect Mayor David O’Loughlin said Prospect’s Digital Hub will help “demystify” broadband in a “very practical sense”.

“To have a local place where school kids, business owners and residents young and old can see, touch and play with NBN enabled technologies is critical,” Mr O’Loughlin said.

“[The] City of Prospect’s Digital Hub will inform, educate and inspire our citizens to not just embrace the NBN but to seize the moment and be at the forefront of global creativity.”

“It sends the message that this is the future of libraries and civic centres,” Mr O’Loughlin said.