First areas of regional SA to receive high-speed NBN fixed wireless

The company building Australia’s National Broadband Network, NBN Co, has unveiled the SA regional local government areas where planning proposals will be lodged to deliver high-speed fixed wireless broadband.

Over the coming months, NBN Co and its design and construction partners will work with local governments to identify appropriate locations for fixed wireless network infrastructure in parts of Mid Murraylands, South East, Far South East and Kangaroo Island.

“For decades, rural and regional Australia has been left behind when it comes to telecommunications,” NBN Co’s Community Account Manager, Chris Gregory, said.

“NBN Co’s plan to deliver high-speed broadband to every Australian home and business using one of three technologies - fibre, fixed wireless and satellite - aims to change that.

“Subject to final planning and other approvals, the fixed wireless network plans to cover parts of ten council areas in South Australia [see list below] and it is expected facilities will start to be switched on in stages from mid 2014,” he said.

• Coorong District Council
• District Council of Grant
• District Council of Yankalilla
• Kangaroo Island Council
• Karoonda East Murray Council
• Mid Murray Council
• Murray Bridge Council
• Naracoorte Lucindale Council
• Tatiara District Council
• Wattle Range Council
• West Wimmera Shire Council (Victoria)

“This announcement is tremendous news for these regions, many of which have little or no access to high-speed broadband, or those confined to a limited service, such as dial-up or broadband over the mobile network,” Gregory said.