NBN Co today announced that operators of traffic signals, automatic teller machines and a range of other specialised devices can now connect to select services over the nbn™ access network through their retail service providers.

Network Extensions is a new option designed to extend the availability of select nbn™ wholesale services to organisations with infrastructure and devices operating outside a residential or business premises location.

Typically operated by government and commercial organisations, these types of specialised systems include traffic signals, traffic cameras, roadside emergency points, rail boom gates, street light controllers, certain types of CCTV, stand-alone automatic teller machines, environmental sensors and public transport infrastructure.

Initially available across NBN Co’s Fibre to the Node (FTTN) footprint, Network Extensions will allow infrastructure operators to consolidate their connectivity requirements on the nbn™ access network, providing operational simplicity and new opportunities for automation, innovation and the world of IoT (Internet of Things).

These applications have historically been connected by a variety of different technologies due to limited network availability and geographical constraints.

A successful trial of building Network Extensions took place with an operator of traffic management systems, helping to establish the technical requirements, processes and delivery capability to support complex non-premises infrastructure systems. Initially available across the FTTN footprint, there are plans for a future expansion of Network Extensions across other fixed line technology areas.

Working with infrastructure operators and retail service providers, on request NBN Co will assess and evaluate construction requirements to support the connection of approved non-premises locations to the nbn™ access network.

Ray Owen, NBN Co Chief Technology Officer said:

“As we reach the final stages of the nbn™ access network rollout, Network Extensions highlights how NBN Co is moving to address the needs of different customers to connect and help to lift their digital capability.

“This is a market segment characterised by a wide variety of specialised devices and complex services connected by a range of aging networks and technologies. By bringing this infrastructure onto the nbn™ access network, operators have significant potential to simplify their operations and explore new innovation opportunities made possible by high-speed broadband and the emerging world of the IoT.”

A summary of Approved Non-Premises Locations to which nbn is offering to supply services over Network Extensions is set out in the table below, together with example applications that may be made available at such locations. Restrictions apply to the type of nbn™ wholesale services available over at these locations once the Network Extensions are built, including restrictions to the nbn™ wholesale traffic classes that may be used for particular applications.

Full details are available in the Approved Non-Premises List in the Media resources.