Federal member for Page Kevin Hogan said more than 906 premises in the Northern Rivers and Clarence Valley are ready to join the superfast era with the NBN Co activating its fixed wireless network in the region, offering Internet speeds more than twice as fast as city-based ADSL connections.
The fixed wireless network utilises advanced 4G technology to deliver speeds of up to 50 megabits per second, enabling multiple high definition videos to be streamed at one time.
“The activation of fixed wireless towers in our community in recent weeks shows the Coalition Government is delivering on its pledge to get the NBN rollout back on track,” Mr Hogan said.
| Locality | Premises Covered |
| Leeville | 163 |
| North Casino | 372 |
| Seelands | 371 |
| TOTAL | 906 |
Since the election the fixed wireless network has grown exponentially, now reaching more than 240,000 homes and business in rural and regional Australia compared to just 39,000 premises in September 2013.
Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the Government’s plan to deliver better broadband will mean that those in rural Australia are better off under the Coalition.
A Strategic Review conducted by the NBN Co revealed that the previous government had drastically underestimated demand in rural Australia, meaning that 200,000 premises would not have been able to order a service once the networks had been built.
The Coalition will invest up to $1.2 billion more in rural Australia to ensure the satellite and fixed wireless networks are able to cope with demand.
“The rollout is happening faster than ever since the Coalition Government took office and construction trials have demonstrated we can dramatically lower the cost and time it will take to deliver fast broadband to all Australians,” Mr Turnbull said.
The Government’s changes to the NBN rollout will save $32 billion, will see upgrades delivered four years sooner than under the previous government and will avoid Internet retail bills increasing by up to 80 per cent.
Potential customers can see the areas served by NBN Co’s fixed wireless service at www.nbnco.com.au/maps and can order a new service by contacting a retail service provider. A list of providers is available on the NBN Co website at www.nbnco.com.au/connect-home-or-business/check-your-address/choose-a-provider.html.
