NBN rollout continues

The National Broadband Network (NBN) is a high-speed broadband network that will, through a combination of fibre, wireless and satellite, reach 100% of Australian premises and provide the vital communications infrastructure to help sustain our country for decades to come.

Designed, built and operated by NBN Co, it will be the largest infrastructure project in Australian history and will support many thousands of jobs, in particular within the construction and electrical industries.

Rollout is already underway in five First Release Sites on mainland Australia, and over the life of the project, we plan to make fibre access available to almost 12 million premises.

The construction of the network will create many opportunities for individuals and subcontractors to get involved in the rollout. We are in the process of identifying recommended training programs, but in the meantime, there are some general principles to be aware of in relation to how individual premises will connect to the NBN.

End users will connect to the NBN via a Network Termination Device (NTD). The NTD is about the same size as an existing DSL or cable modem, and on the fibre services will have four data ports and two voice ports. End users can plug a range of equipment into these ports including telephones, computers, set-top boxes, modems and routers. The NTD will convert optical signals into electrical signals for connection to end-user equipment.

End users will have the flexibility to choose where the NTD is placed in their home or business. We recommend an indoor installation to allow for ease of connection and expect end users to place the NTD close to where they plan to plug in their in-home devices such as televisions and computers to save on wiring costs. In most cases, no additional cabling or wiring will be needed to connect to the NBN - devices will simply plug straight into the NTD. Any additional wiring will depend on the services the end user would like in each room and the equipment they have.

The NTD provides standard ethernet and POTS interfaces for connection to devices or wiring in the premises. The field installer should advise whether the NTD can be safely installed in the end-user’s preferred location and whether that location is suitable to access any desired new services offered over the NBN, such as IPTV (internet protocol television), telemedicine or e-learning. Some of these new services may require new wiring or equipment. NBN Co is responsible for wiring up to the NTD; however, any new wiring beyond the NTD is the responsibility of the end user and their chosen service provider. Cabling providers may also wish to develop ‘wiring packs’ for end users, for example, ‘connection of a TV/home theatre system to the NBN’ to assist with in-home set-up.

New developments or greenfield estates will be among the first premises to receive a connection to the NBN. Estates of more than 100 premises will be eligible to receive fibre from NBN Co.

A central wiring closet should be built into all new premises. Allowances should also be made for different wiring and equipment to be installed on the inside and outside of the premises. NBN Co will publish a series of documents including recommendations on wiring in new developments to clarify these points.

For more detailed information about cabling and wiring, the Communications Alliance has published the NBN End-User Premises Handbook, which is available on its website. Soon, you will also be able register at www.nbnco.com.au to receive regular industry news and updates.

*Steve Christian is Head of Network Operations at NBN Co Limited and has responsibility for establishing the operational requirements of the National Broadband Network. He has nearly 40 years’ experience in the telecommunications industry. He was previously Managing Director of Networks at SingTel Optus where he oversaw the operation of the company’s fixed, satellite, IP and mobile networks.