NBN Co has announced more communities that will be covered by the fixed wireless network, with Victoria’s south west and Wimmera regions set to receive the service.
NBN Co’s fixed wireless network targets communities with low population densities where it is impractical or uneconomical to roll out fibre optic cable. The fixed wireless service is delivered by radio communications via antenna technology.
“Subject to final radio frequency planning and other approvals the fixed wireless network plans to cover around 22,000 premises across 14 local government areas," said NBN Community Relations Adviser, Tony Gibbs."[It] aims to deliver speeds and services that city people take for granted.”
Boasting wholesale access speeds of up to 12Mbps per second, the fixed wireless network is significantly slower than fibre. However, it is still up to eight times faster than conventional ADSL and 150 times faster than dial-up (which is still used in many rural communities).
NBN Co claims that end users will notice a "big improvement" in the reliability of their connection alongside any speed gains. Some of the other benefits NBN is touting include telehealth consultations, video conferencing, interactive lessons and live collaboration with teachers and students around the world.
Facilities will start to be switched on in stages from 2014.
Below is a list of Councils where fixed wireless planning proposals are expected to be lodged:
-
Ararat Rural City Council
-
Buloke Shire Council
-
Colac-Otway Shire Council
-
Corangamite Shire Council
-
Glenelg Shire Council
-
Hindmarsh Shire Council
-
Horsham Rural City Council
-
Loddon Shire Council
-
Moyne Shire Council
-
Northern Grampians Shire Council
-
Pyrenees Shire Council
-
Southern Grampians Shire Council
-
Warrnambool City Council
-
Yarriambiack Shire Council
