NBN Co’s network rollout gains momentum in the West

More than 1,800 farms, homes and businesses in the South West can now switch on the National Broadband Network (NBN) after eight fixed wireless installations recently went live in the below areas:
 

Brunswick (surrounds)	Burekup	Boyanup East	Bunbury (surrounds)
Capel (surrounds)	Dardanup	Stratham	Waroona West

NBN Co has also commenced physical construction of an additional 10 fixed wireless installations in the following areas of the South West – meaning 3,800 more premises will soon be able to connect to the NBN.
 

Bridgetown South	Boyanup	Dardanup West	Donnybrook
Argyle	Lake Clifton	Mount John	Manjimup
Walpole Town	Yarloop

Combined with NBN Co’s fixed line and satellite rollout, the total coverage footprint across Western Australia expands to more than 50,000 farms, homes and businesses able to connect.*

NBN Co spokesperson, Peter Gurney said:

“Today’s announcement demonstrates the rollout of the NBN is gaining momentum in Western Australia – 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.”**

Shire of Capel Council President, Murray Scott said:

“The NBN is vital piece of infrastructure for the Shire of Capel providing enhanced connectivity for those who live and work in the region.  Residents in the Shire’s rural locations will at last have the option of a fast internet service to cater for their family needs and home businesses.

“The NBN will significantly assist the Council of the Shire of Capel to fulfil its Corporate direction to achieve efficient and reliable communication services for its residents.”

Regional Development Australia (South West) Executive Officer Charles Jenkinson said:

“The South West is going through a period of unprecedented economic, population and tourism growth.  Access to better broadband gives local businesses the opportunity to improve productivity through internet enabled innovation, market the region as a tourist destination through social media and open up opportunities for online wine sales both domestically and internationally.”

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: 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/about-us/weekly-progress-report.html

** 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.