The company building Australia’s national broadband network, NBN Co, today unveiled the 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.

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

“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 radio frequency planning and other approvals the fixed wireless network plans to cover around 3,500 premises across Rockhampton and Central Highlands Regional Councils and it is expected facilities will start to be switched on in stages from late 2013 to late 2014,” he said.

“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 or older satellite systems.

“Faster, more reliable internet aims to 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.

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

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.

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.