National broadband innovator Internode has committed itself as a major partner of the Global Green Challenge event for alternative energy vehicles, running from Darwin to Adelaide during October 24-30 this year (2009).

Synergies between Internode and the Global Green Challenge are obvious as both organisations are committed to innovation and embracing environmentally responsible technologies.

Adelaide-based Internode is the largest privately owned broadband company in Australia. Renowned for its reputation of technical innovation and excellence, the company operates a first-tier telecommunications network throughout Australia with dedicated international links to the USA and Asia.

The Global Green Challenge is an evolution of the acclaimed World Solar Challenge and will showcase electric, hybrid, solar, low emission and alternative energy vehicles to a public eager to positively engage with practical solutions in regard to a healthy future for the planet.

Internode’s sponsorship of the Global Green Challenge is just the latest demonstration of its corporate environmental responsibility. Last year, Internode achieved CO2-free status after undertaking a major greenhouse gas emission audit and purchasing the required offset carbon credits. Since September, Internode has used 100 per cent GreenPower™, generated from sources such as wind and solar, throughout its entire operations.

Links between the two organisations are strengthened by the fact that Internode founder and Managing Director Simon Hackett passionately believes in the viability and value of electric vehicles. He has recently purchased a Tesla Roadster, the world’s first commercially available electric sports cars, which he intends to drive in the Global Green Challenge.

Mr. Hackett said he had brought the first Roadster to Australia to complement Internode’s green initiatives. “The point of the exercise is to demonstrate that it is possible to be both green and high performance: Like a Roadster – and indeed, like Internode,” he said.

“I’ve been passionate about electric vehicles since I drove a GM EV-I electric car in California during the 1980s. I strongly believe that electric vehicles are the future of motoring and this is the most concrete way that I can personally contribute to educating people in Australia about just how real they are. In the Tesla and through pioneering initiatives like the Global Green Challenge, people can see what the future of cars looks like.”

Internode’s Tesla Roadster will join some 20 alternative energy vehicles ranging from pure electric through to hybrid, low emission, alternative fuel, and ultra-efficient diesel machines that will compete under regulations set by the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) and the international sporting authority, the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).

These vehicles will be assessed against manufacturers carbon emission and fuel efficiency (consumption) claims.

The event will also feature some 40 plus solar vehicles that have been the pioneers in developing technology in relation to battery efficiency, electric motor design and low rolling resistance tyres. Participants in the World Solar Challenge section of the event come from the USA, the Netherlands, France, Australia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Malaysia, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, India, Canada, Senegal, Taiwan, Greece, and Singapore.

The Global Green Challenge is managed by the South Australian Motor Sport Board with major partners including the South Australian and Northern Territory Governments and SA Tourism.

Commenting on the signing of Internode as an event partner, South Australian Motor Sport Board Chief Executive Jason Allen said he believed that Internode was an “ideal fit as a high quality organisation that believes in a better future, as a result of innovation and advancement in technology”.

“This event is showcasing vehicles of the future, but also vehicles that will rapidly become a major part of the car fleet as people demand environmentally friendly vehicles and governments around the world legislate to reduce emissions,” Mr. Allen added.

Mainstream automotive manufacturers who have already expressed interest in participating in this year’s event include Suzuki, Mercedes Benz, Ford, Toyota, BMW, Hyundai, Audi, Mercedes, Holden, and Volvo.

Eco Challenge entrants will compete over set ‘stages’ with overnight stops at Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs, Coober Pedy, and Port Augusta.

Pre and post event public displays will be held in Darwin and Adelaide with an urban cycle for the Eco Challenge vehicles also to be conducted in the South Australian capital.

World Solar Challenge category vehicles will uniquely run as a single stage with competitors camping by the roadside wherever they finish as they power their way across the continent using nothing but energy from the sun’s rays.

View a video of Simon Hackett talking about speaks about Internode's participation in the Global Green Challenge, with his Tesla - the world's first fully electric production car - at http://www.globalgreenchallenge.com.au/media/video-gallery

About Simon Hackett

Simon Hackett is one of Australia’s best-known technology entrepreneurs. As managing director of the national broadband trailblazer Internode, Simon leads Australia’s largest privately owned broadband company. Established in 1991, Internode has more than 150,000 broadband customers and about 400 employees, a carrier-grade international telecommunications network and a range of value-added broadband services.

Simon leads Internode with a unique combination of technical insight and entrepreneurial energy. While renowned for its customer-friendly service, Internode constantly pushes back the boundaries of broadband innovation. In 2005, Internode was the first Australian company to launch commercial ADSL2+ broadband. In 2007, the company pioneered ADSL2+ Annex M services. In July 2008, Internode became the first national ISP to offer its customers direct access to Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) as part of its standard service.

In August 2008, Simon’s achievements were acknowledged with the Telecommunications Ambassador award from the Communications Alliance. This annual award recognises an outstanding individual who has shown strong leadership and made a significant and visible contribution to the Australian communications industry. Simon won the Bulletin-Microsoft Smart 100 IT & Communications Award in 2004 and was an SA winner in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards in 2005. Simon is also a Fellow of the Australian Computer Society.

About Internode www.internode.on.net

Internode is a first tier IP carrier committed to using broadband technology to redefine the national telecommunications environment. The Australian-owned company is a trailblazer that delivers broadband services to individuals and businesses throughout Australia. Follow Internode online at www.internode.on.net/about/follow_us_online/

Internode PR for media assistance: Impress Media Australia www.impress.com.au

Call John Harris on (08) 8431 4000 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For further information about Global Green Challenge, contact:

Mike Drewer Publicity Manager Global Green Challenge, Phone: 08 82781706, Mobile: 0419 273 333 and email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it