Bundaberg first city in Queensland to receive NBN FTTN

Bundaberg will be the first city in Queensland to connect to the NBN fibre to the node (FTTN) network, with Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt today switching on the state-of-the-art technology.

Mr Pitt said he fought hard to ensure his region was one of ten trial sites prioritised nationally and now, as a result, Bundaberg would be the second location in Australia to receive FTTN.

“Bundaberg’s main street and neighbouring areas like Avenell Heights, Thabeban, Norville, Bundaberg South and Bundaberg East will be the first to make the switch,” Mr Pitt said.

“The surrounding areas will also be connected in coming weeks, bringing the total number of premises to 24,000.

“The FTTN network has been designed so that families and businesses can access high speed internet sooner, at less cost to taxpayers.

“As well as the obvious entertainment benefits, the National Broadband Network will transform local education and health services. Enabling businesses to better engage in the rapidly evolving digital economy, the NBN will help create local jobs.”

NBN Corporate Affairs Manager for Queensland Kylie Lindsay said NBN was working towards 90 per cent of users getting at least 50Mbps, but trials showed users located less than 400 metres from a cabinet get speeds of around 100/40Mbps.

“FTTN technology will provide the capacity we need into the foreseeable future. By using a mix of technology, NBN Co aims to connect eight million homes and business, providing wholesale download data rates of up to 25Mbps to all premises and at least 50Mbps to 90 per cent of fixed line premises as soon as possible,” Ms Lindsay said.

Mr Pitt said FTTN construction would begin in the southern end of the Hinkler electorate in early 2017 to connect 19,000 premises in Craignish, Dundowran, Dundowran Beach, Eli Waters, Kawungan, Nikenbah, Pialba, Point Vernon, Scarness, Toogoom, Torquay, Urraween and Wondunna.

FTTN construction will also start in Avoca, Branyan, Millbank, Burnett Heads, Coral Cove, Elliott Heads, Innes Park, Childers, Woodgate, Howard, Burrum Heads, River Heads, Booral and Urangan in 2018.

About 20 wireless NBN towers are either operational or under construction across Hinkler’s many rural communities.

By the end of 2018, about 70,000 Hinkler premises will be able to connect to the NBN.

FACTBOX: How to connect to the NBN:

Consider your personal requirements:

• If you have a medical alarm or alert, register your details with NBN Co by calling 1800 227 300 or complete the online form at nbnco.com.au/medicalregister

• If you have an EFTPOS terminal, fax or alarm system, call the provider of that service (EG bank, security firm) to ask what internet or landline phone services will support the device over the NBN.

• If your building has an emergency lift phone and/or a fire indicator panel, register your details with NBN Co so these services can be identified by calling 1800 687 626.

• How many people in your home or business, how many devices do you have, and how do you use the internet?

• Are you currently locked into a plan? 

Shop around:

• Contact phone companies or internet service providers to discuss your requirements and find out what NBN plans or packages they offer. Be sure to check if there are any cancellation fees if you break your existing contract early.

Connect:

• Once you’ve chosen a plan that suits your needs, order your NBN service as soon as possible. Premises have 18 months to make the transition to NBN.