Hinkler set to enter superfast broadband era

More than 2300 premises in Hinkler 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.

Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the fixed wireless network utilised 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 nine fixed wireless towers in Hinkler in recent weeks shows the Coalition Government is delivering on its pledge to get the NBN rollout back on track,” Mr Pitt said.

“I encourage residents and businesses in Apple Tree Creek, Burrum River, Childers, Cordalba, Doolbi, Howard West, Redridge North, Redridge West and Torbanlea North to contact their telecommunications providers to get connected.

“A further nine wireless NBN towers are under construction, either in or bordering on the Hinkler electorate. Five of them will go live in coming weeks: Alloway, Buxton West, Gooburrum, Sharon and South Bingera.

“Labor had six years in office and delivered almost nothing for regional and rural Australia. They promised the world to residents in my electorate, but their handling of the NBN was a slow train wreck.

“The Coalition Government’s changes to the NBN rollout will save $32 billion, will see upgrades delivered four years sooner than under Labor and will avoid internet retail bills increasing by up to 80 per cent.”   

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the fixed wireless network had grown exponentially since the election, now reaching more than 240,000 homes and business in rural and regional Australia compared to just 39,000 premises in September 2013.

“A Strategic Review conducted by the NBN Co revealed that Labor 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,” Mr Turnbull said.

“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 Pitt said the build had also commenced on Fibre-to-the-Node (FTTN) in Ashfield, Avenell Heights, Bundaberg Central, Bundaberg East, Bundaberg North, Bundaberg South, Bundaberg West, Gooburrum, Kalkie, Kensington, Kepnock, Millbank, Norville, Rubyanna, Svensson Heights, Thabeban and Walkervale.

“That’s 24,600 Hinkler premises where the fixed line FTTN build is underway,” he said.

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. 

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