Homes and businesses in parts of Howden and Tinderbox can experience the benefits of fast and reliable broadband by connecting to services over the nbn™ network from today.
 

nbn™ services covering more than 900 homes and businesses in the area went live this week.
 

The area, just south of Hobart, has been a complicated build for nbn. Construction was delayed due to nesting endangered Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagles.
 

A new Fixed Wireless tower was constructed on Tinderbox Hill, with works taking place at night so as not to disturb the eagles, and an existing tower west of Margate was also augmented to service the region.
 

The Mayor of Kingborough, Cr Steve Wass said:
 

“It’s great to see another piece in the puzzle connecting in Kingborough. Central Kingston has been connected for some time, and we have been looking forward to more of the council area becoming covered by the network footprint.
 

“Having fast broadband in our area is vital for our future growth with many people gaining the opportunity to work from home and avoid the commute into Hobart.
 

“For small business it is also a vital resource.”

nbn Corporate Affairs Manager Tasmania, Russell Kelly, said:
 

“This is exciting news for Tinderbox and Howden as residents and businesses are now able to connect to services over the nbn™ network and start experiencing the benefits of fast broadband.
 

“Access to fast broadband through the nbn™ network is designed to provide a range of benefits for homes and businesses such as improved opportunities to work from home, better access to online education and more options for on-demand entertainment.
 

“And for businesses, be it e-commerce, sending and receiving files, accessing online services, internet and data security, cloud based sharing or communicating with staff and customers, all aspects will be faster and more efficient with the nbn™ network.
 

“Connecting to the nbn™ network is not automatic and residents and businesses need to contact their preferred phone or internet service provider to place an order.”
 

Around 38,000 Tasmanian premises can order a service over the nbn™ Fixed Wireless network, with plans based on nbn’s wholesale speed tier of up to 50Mbps download and 20Mbps upload available.
 

More information on the nbn™ network and rollout areas is available at: http://www.nbnco.com.au/maps
 

Notes to editors

The move to the nbn™ network is not automatic – homes and businesses need to take the following steps:

1. Contact your preferred phone or internet service provider:

• If you have a medical alarm or alert (or a family member, carer or friend who has one) you are encouraged to register your details with nbn’s Medical Alarm Register by calling 1800 227 300 or complete the online form at nbnco.com.au/medicalregister.
• If you have an EFTPOS terminal, fax or alarm system, call the provider of that service (for example your bank) to ask what internet or landline phone services will be supported over the nbn™ network.

2. Choose a plan that suits your needs.

3. Order your service over the nbn™ network as soon as possible.

• nbn will undertake a comprehensive communication campaign with residents in areas scheduled to make the switch to the nbn™ network.