nbn helps enable access to faster broadband for thousands across regional Australia

NBN Co today announced that around 24,000 homes and businesses across regional Australia are now eligible to access the nbn^® fixed wireless network for the first time, transforming the way they access broadband internet over the nbn network. 

The announcement represents a major milestone in the upgrade of the nbn fixed wireless network, which includes expanding access for around 120,000 homes and businesses, enabling faster and more consistent speeds at the busiest times over the overall fixed wireless network and the introduction of two new wholesale higher speed plans by the end of the program.

The upgrade is being enabled by a $750 million investment – including $480 million from the Australian Government and $270 million from nbn.

Gavin Williams, nbn Chief Development Officer for Regional and Remote, said, 

“We are in the middle of the next evolution of the nbn fixed wireless network to extend its reach and capability and bring improved service deeper into rural and regional Australia.

“The nbn fixed wireless network is the digital backbone for many regional Australians. With more people living in regional areas, connectivity has never been more important and that is why we are not just responding to existing demand, but also planning for the future.

“We expect that by around the end of 2024, the upgrades we are making across the nbn fixed wireless network will enable around 750,000 homes and business to enjoy better broadband, which will allow more people to be online at the same to work, study, and stream with less buffering.” 

All 24,000 premises that can now access nbn fixed wireless services are currently located within the nbn satellite footprint. The locations of the 24,000 premises have been selected based on their proximity to existing nbn fixed wireless towers, with priority given to those located in the most heavily used parts of the nbn satellite footprint. 

Today’s announcement is the latest step from nbn to evolve the network for regional Australia.

In February, nbn announced the trial of a new nbn Sky Muster Plus plan that it hopes will allow it to provide faster speeds and even more unmetered data to satellite customers from late 2023. The trial will be subject to fair use restrictions and features of any final product are subject to change*.

nbn also recently announced that an additional one million households and businesses – up to 58 per cent in regional areas – would be able to choose to get faster and more reliable broadband, as the rollout of full fibre to the premises continues across the country**, ***.

For more information on the upgrade program and to check if you’re eligible to access a nbn fixed wireless service, go to nbn.com.au/regionalinvestment. 

Notes to editors:

• The locations of the homes and business included in today’s announcement are broken down to state-based level at approximately NSW (6,700), QLD (6,500), SA (2,200), TAS (1,200), VIC (5,900), WA (1,800).

Disclaimers

*The Fair Use Policy will continue to apply and nbn may, at its discretion, shape certain types of traffic (I particular gaming/software updates and cloud uploads in the evening) to slow speeds, if required, to protect the network. For details on fair use conditions, contact your internet service provider. 

** NBN Co reserves the right to amend the list of targeted suburbs and towns for the local fibre network build at its discretion if circumstances change and if absolutely necessary.

***Conditions, eligibility criteria and costs will apply. Eligibility criteria is expected to include, among other things, being designated by nbn as a simple premises (eg. standalone premises or Single Dwelling Unit (SDU)) and once the program is available for an eligible premises, placing an order for an nbn powered plan based on an eligible wholesale speed tier. Additional costs may apply to providers, who may choose to pass this charge onto their customers. Not all providers offer plans based on the full range of wholesale speed tiers. Talk to your preferred provider for more information about availability and the right solution for your needs.