The National Broadband Network gained further momentum in NSW’s Southern Highlands region today as NBN Co unveiled the local government areas where planning proposals will be lodged to provide local farms, homes and businesses access to fast broadband.

Subject to final planning and other approvals, NBN Co plans to deliver access to fast broadband via its fixed wireless network to parts of the Wingecarribee Shire Council, with facilities currently expected to be switched on in stages starting from mid-2015.

Over the coming months, NBN Co and its design and construction partners will work with local governments to identify appropriate locations for fixed wireless network infrastructure in and around the Southern Highlands area.

NBN Co Spokesperson Michael Tyler said the fixed-wireless service can bring access to better broadband to the bush.

“More farms, residents and businesses can look forward to having access to faster internet with the NBN expanding its broadband footprint in NSW’s Southern Highlands region,” Mr Tyler said.  

“For decades, rural and regional Australia has been left behind when it comes to telecommunications. The fixed wireless service is designed to deliver access to internet speeds and bandwidth that many in the big cities currently take for granted.

"The NBN also means you can get the whole family on line at once, opening up opportunities for local farms, businesses and the wider region to participate in the digital age. Fast broadband can help deliver improved access to health, education and entertainment over high quality video links.”**

NBN Co’s wholesale fixed wireless service offers retail service providers download speeds of up to 25 megabits per second and upload speeds of up to 5 megabits per second.*

NBN Co also plans to deliver these wholesale speeds to retail service providers over satellite in rural and remote areas when its Long Term Satellite Service (currently scheduled for 2015).

For further information about NBN Co and construction plans, visit www.nbnco.com.au

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Luke Rix

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Notes to editors

• 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 satellite service.  Visit www.nbnco.com.au/satellite for more information.
• In fixed wireless and satellite areas copper phone lines will remain in place to provide a landline telephone service.
• NBN Co’s fixed wireless and satellite networks are designed to serve communities with low population density where it is impractical or uneconomical to roll out fixed line technologies.
• A standard installation of NBN equipment is currently free of charge. Remember to ask your preferred provider if they have any other fees.
• For more information visit www.nbnco.com.au

* Your experience including the speeds actually achieved over the NBN depends on some factors outside our control like your equipment quality, software, broadband plans and how your service provider designs its network.

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