If you live in Australia, you’ve probably heard the words “National Broadband Network” floating around for some time now. But what exactly is it? What does it involve and what does it mean for you?
Here we address all the facts and answer the top five questions about the National Broadband Network.
1. What is the National Broadband Network?
The NBN is a government initiative designed to bring high-speed broadband access to homes and businesses across Australia. The idea is that ALL Australians will have fast access to the internet, whether it be for online research, playing games, shopping or socialising. Ultimately, the aim is to make sure that even Australians in the remotest areas of the country will have fast and reliable internet access.
2. What will the National Broadband Network involve?
An organisation created by the Federal Government known as NBN Co is responsible for building the National Broadband Network. They’ll see that the broadband network is rolled out to all of Australia with high-tech optical fibre connecting at least 90% of homes and businesses across Australia. The remaining homes and business will have access via wireless and satellite services.
These fibre optic cables will run right up to your house, literally bringing high-speed internet access right to your door. This is what they mean when they say “fibre-to-the-home”.
The development of the NBN also means that gradually the existing copper network across Australia will be shut off. The aging copper network was designed for telephones and is struggling to keep up with the demands of Australian internet usage.
3. When will this all happen?
The entire process is marked for completion by 2020. It will take place bit by bit, with suburbs receiving fibre optic cables one at a time. As the existing copper network is shut off in your area, you’ll have about 18 months before your current connection no longer works.
To find out when your suburb will receive the NBN, visit NBN Co’s rollout map here: http://www.nbnco.com.au/rollout/rollout-map.html.
4. What does the National Broadband Network mean for me?
The good news is that the National Broadband Network will mean super-fast internet access. You’ll be able to access information, whether at home, work or school, much faster than you are currently able to on your fixed line or mobile broadband network. NBN speeds are reported to be up to 40 times faster than those of current ADSL broadband connections with speeds of up to 100Mbps download and 40Mbps upload. The fibre optic cables are said to carry information at the speed of light and are equipped to deal with advanced digital products. This means that your internet connection will be capable of achieving tasks such as conducting high definition videoconferences and using multiple high bandwidth applications at the same time. The best part is that this network has been developed with the future in mind. It has been designed to ensure that it will not be outgrown by developments in digital technology.
To have access to the NBN, you’ll need to connect through a retail provider as you are now. As long as your current provider offers NBN services, you won’t need to change retail providers.
5. How much will the National Broadband Network cost me?
The National Broadband Network is expected to increase competition and therefore offer Australians affordable rates. Rates will possibly be cheaper than your current fixed line or mobile broadband plans, with basic NBN plans starting at around $30.
So, whilst it might be some time before the National Broadband Network reaches your area, it’s worth preparing yourself with knowledge of what the National Broadband Network will involve and what it means for you. Ultimately, the NBN initiative will help connect all Australians and bring Australia up to speed (excuse the pun) with the rest of the world.
About the Author
This article was written and shared by Vividwireless – a leading provider of wireless broadband and 4G internet in Australia.
