CSIRO wants to beam future Internet over TV spectrum

If you're living outside ADSL2+ and wireless broadband coverage areas, better broadband probably can't come soon enough. Which is why this month's demonstration of a new wireless technology by the CSIRO on March 21 might be of interest.

Dubbed Ngara, the system ups the ante in wireless broadband by providing 12Mbps uploads and downloads. The aim is to use the analog TV spectrum, with the CSIRO claiming that users able to receive a TV signal could connect to the Internet. The service would require users to connect via a set top box and modem connected to a modified TV antenna.

The uplink and data speeds make the technology potentially more useful than satellite Internet, though that doesn’t appear to be the main focus. Officially, the CSIRO says the new wireless technology is intended for those outside the planned rollout of fibre Internet, but not areas where satellite is the only option - although a spokesperson has been quoted as "hopeful" it will also serve some satellite coverage areas.

The NBN Co has announced plans to deliver wireless and satellite to 7% of homes not covered by the NBN rollout.

The NBN Co has bought spectrum from Pay Tv company Austar, which it plans to use to commence building a wireless network in December.