NBN Co, the company building Australia’s National Broadband Network, has unveiled the locations in and around Wagga, West Wyalong, Young, Temora, Cootamundra and Gundagai region will receive high speed fixed wireless broadband.

The fixed wireless network will deliver high speed broadband to homes and businesses at wholesale speeds up to 150 times faster than dial-up and up to eight times faster than ADSL.

“For decades, rural and regional Australia has been left behind when it comes to telecommunications,” says NBN Co stakeholder relations advisor Tony Gibbs.

“NBN Co’s plan to deliver high speed broadband to every Australian with one network utilising three technologies, fibre, fixed wireless and satellite aims to change that.

The communities, which cover 13 local government areas, to receive a fixed wireless service in the Riverina, South West and Inland NSW region are:

Ardlethan
Ariah Park
Barmedman
Bijengum
Area surrounding Grenfell township
Bomen
Bribbaree
Collingullie
Coolaman Reservoir
Area surrounding Cootamundra township
Currawarna
Fargunyah
Area surrounding Forbes township
Ganmain
Gumly Gumly
Area surrounding Gundagai township
Kapooka
Ladysmith
Lockhart
Malebo Hill
Mangoplah
Marrar
Monteagle
Moorong Trig
Mount Snubba
Mt Weedalion
Murringo
Narriah Mt
Oura
Rannock
Springdale
Stockinbingal
Talbingo
Area surrounding Temora township
The Rock
Area surrounding Tumut township
Ungarie
Uranquinty
Area surrounding Wagga city
Wallacetown
Weethalle
Area surrounding West Wyalong township
Wombat
Areas surrounding Young township

“Today’s announcement is tremendous news for these communities, many of which have little or no access to high speed broadband, or those confined to a limited service, such as dial-up, mobile or satellite,” Tony says.

“The fixed wireless network will cover around 9,000 premises and is expected to be switched on from mid 2014 onwards.

“Faster, more reliable internet will deliver speeds and services that city people take for granted. It will also mean telehealth consultations, video conferencing, interactive lessons and live collaboration with teachers and students here and abroad can become a reality.

“NBN Co’s fixed wireless network is designed to offer internet service providers with wholesale access speeds of up to 12Mbps, with plans for higher speeds to become available in the future.

“To put 12Mbps into perspective, people in the fixed wireless area who are currently on dial-up will receive speeds up to 150 times faster, on ABG satellite up to 12 times faster and ADSL 1 up to eight times faster.

“NBN Co expects end users will not only notice a big improvement to the speed, but the reliability of their connection.

“Unlike a mobile wireless service where speeds can be affected by the number of people moving into and out of the area, NBN Co’s fixed wireless network is engineered to deliver services to a fixed number of premises within a coverage area.

“Whether you live in the in the regional centre or further out, NBN Co is committed to delivering high speed broadband to every Australian home and business.”