More than 2,900 premises around Launceston can now benefit from fast broadband

The first farms, homes and businesses in 21 communities surrounding Launceston can now switch to the National Broadband Network.

NBN Co’s fixed wireless network is now available to more than 2,900 premises in parts of the following communities:

NBN Co spokesperson Lalla Mackenzie said, “We’re bringing fast broadband to the bush.

These fixed wireless services are designed to deliver internet speeds that many in the big cities take for granted today.*

Telstra customers, Neville Stewart and Sharon McHugh, own and operate the Greens Beach Takeaway store, selling clothing, groceries and giftware to tourists and locals. Their new internet service over the NBN has assisted them to grow their business and provide back-up for essential financial services.*

Neville Stewart said, “Prior to the NBN it was very difficult to source new and interesting products as our internet connection was slow and unreliable. Now we’re able to quickly browse and order online, which has expanded our product range and increased our profits.”*

Mayor Cr Barry Easther OAM, West Tamar Council said, “With access to fast broadband, businesses in the regional surrounds of Launceston now have the opportunity to expand their product and service offerings into new markets that may have been previously unattainable.*

“Many others now have the opportunity to swap their city commute for a home office capable of high-definition video conferencing and cloud computing.**

The NBN really has the potential to close the digital divide and enable the digital economy in the West Tamar region.”

Residents in communities surrounding Launceston are encouraged to visit www.nbnco.com.au/rollout/rollout-map to find out if their premise is included in the coverage footprint.

If so, they should contact their preferred telephone company or internet service provider to get connected. A full list of those offering services over the NBN can be found at www.nbnco.com.au/serviceproviders.

Media enquiries
Grant Thomas
Phone: 02 8918 5853
Mobile: 0417 554 787
NBN Co Media Hotline: 02 9927 4200

Notes to editors
• NBN Co’s fixed wireless facilities are designed to service less densely populated communities across Australia surrounding 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 companies 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.
• A standard installation of NBN equipment is currently free of charge. Residents should ask their preferred service provider if they have any other fees.
• For more information visit www.nbnco.com.au

* 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 a service provider designs its network.

** Access to your work network will depend on factors outside NBN Co’s control, like your organisation’s IT policy and infrastructure.

*** 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.