The Australian Government is investing $480 million in the 2022-23 Federal Budget to upgrade the entire NBN fixed wireless network.
This investment will provide up to one million premises in regional and remote Australia and in the urban fringe with access to higher speeds on NBN fixed wireless services or greater data limits on Sky Muster services.
The upgrade will do this by using the latest 4G and 5G wireless technology to extend the coverage range of fixed wireless towers and allow higher speed services to everyone served by the tower.
The upgrade will extend the footprint of each NBN fixed wireless tower to increase the total area covered by fixed wireless by up to 50 per cent, enabling 120,000 additional premises to access fixed wireless services instead of Sky Muster satellite services.
In addition, all fixed wireless services will then be able to access higher speed tier wholesale download and upload plans and better busy hour speeds, in addition to increased data allowances for NBN Sky Muster satellite users.
With faster internet and more data available, these improved services will not only benefit residents but also the 50,000 regional businesses with active NBN fixed wireless services.
The investment provides a comprehensive response to Recommendation 6 of the Regional Telecommunications Review undertaken in 2021. For more detail on the Hartsuyker Review and the Committee’s report, a Step Change in Demand, visit https://www.rtirc.gov.au/
For more detail on NBN Co’s fixed wireless network, visit www.nbnco.com.au/learn/network-technology/fixed-wireless-explained
Read the Minister’s media release.