NBN Co’s network rollout gains momentum in the Territory

More than 2,700 farms, homes and businesses in parts of Humpty Doo, Howard Springs and Noonamah East can now switch on the National Broadband Network (NBN) after the latest fixed wireless installations recently went live in the Northern Territory.

These premises are in addition to the below communities, which grow NBN Co’s fixed wireless network in the Territory to almost 3,900 premises covered:

Berry Springs	Darwin River	Lambells Lagoon	Fly Creek North
Wagait Beach	Livingston South	Southport

 

Combined with NBN Co’s fixed line and satellite rollout, the total coverage footprint across the Territory expands to more than 12,400 farms, homes and businesses able to connect.*

NBN Co spokesperson, Justin Jarvis said:

“Today’s announcement demonstrates the rollout of the NBN is gaining momentum in the Northern Territory – and with it comes many economic and social opportunities for local communities.

“Fast broadband gives residents access to e-health services, distance education and entertainment on demand, while businesses could potentially increase productivity, reduce costs and access new markets.”**

Litchfield Council Chief Executive Officer, Russell Anderson said:

“Residents of Humpty Doo have long been sufferers of the digital divide between city and country, as internet connectivity has historically been expensive and unreliable.  Now with the NBN, residents are able to realise the full potential of the internet, which metropolitan users for years have taken for granted.

“The NBN is also a game-changer for mango farmers – a major industry in the region.  Those connected no longer need rely of fax machines to get the latest mango prices.  In a market that fluctuates dramatically, real time pricing via the NBN is critical for selling at high and securing enough revenue to cover freight costs.”

Australian Mango Industry Association Board Director and a grower, Han Siah said:

“There are many applications for fast broadband in the mango industry – from distance education to increased productivity.  Through online training, growers can learn how to handle farm chemicals, without needing to travel into the town centre, which can be costly and time intensive.

“Growers can also use video conferencing to assist in quality control.  It lets them liaise with their agents on the East Coast in real time and see firsthand any quality issues with their produce after transportation. I encourage all producers to connect to the NBN and discover the new tools, techniques and technologies that can improve their farming.”

Residents are encouraged to check their address at www.nbnco.com.au/check-your-address.html to find out if their premise is included in the coverage footprint for a signal quality test.  If you are able to receive a good quality fixed wireless service, it takes just three easy steps before you can start enjoying the benefits of fast broadband over the NBN.

Three-Step Guide to connecting to NBN Fixed Wireless

Step 1: Order a service

Contact your preferred telephone company or internet service provider to book-in a signal quality test.

Step 2: Installation

If your premise can receive a good quality fixed wireless signal, NBN Co will install and test an Outdoor Antenna on your roof and a Connection Box inside your home – both are currently free of charge.

Step 3: Connect to the NBN

Once tested, within 24 hours residents should be able to just connect their service provider’s modem to the internal NBN Connection Box to begin experiencing the many benefits of fast broadband.  For further details on connecting to the NBN fixed wireless network, visit: www.nbnco.com.au/fixed-wireless.html

Media enquiries:

NBN Co Media Hotline
P: 02 9927 4200
E: media@nbnco.com.au

Grant Thomas
M: 0417 554 787
P: 02 8918 5853
E: grantthomas@nbnco.com.au

Media materials:

Download fixed wireless b-roll

Notes to editors

• NBN Co’s fixed wireless facilities are designed to service less densely populated communities across Australia such as small towns and villages and the outer surrounds of major townships.
• NBN Co’s fixed wireless service offers wholesale download speeds of up to 25 megabits per second and wholesale upload speeds of up to five megabits per second to telephone and internet service providers.
• End user experience, including the speeds actually achieved over the NBN, depends on some factors outside NBN Co’s control like equipment quality, software, broadband plans and how the end user’s service provider designs its network.
• Fixed wireless services are delivered by radio communications via antennas that transmit a signal direct to a small outdoor antenna on your home or business.
• Before the network equipment is installed a service validation test will be carried out.  Those premises which are unable to be served by fixed wireless may be able to receive NBN Co’s long term satellite service when it becomes available.  Visit www.nbnco.com.au/satellite for more information.
• In fixed wireless areas copper phone lines will remain in place to provide a landline telephone service, if the end user chooses to use it.
• A standard installation of NBN equipment is currently free of charge. Residents should ask their preferred service provider if they have any other fees. 

* Premises activated as reported in the NBN Rollout information weekly summary – www.nbnco.com.au/weeklyprogressreport

** NBN Co’s designing the NBN to provide these speeds to its wholesale customers, telephone and internet service providers. End user experience including the speeds actually achieved over the NBN depends on some factors outside NBN Co’s control like equipment quality, software, broadband plans and how the end user’s service provider designs its network.