National Broadband Network
Westnet Members with their finger on the pulse would be up to date on discussion surrounding the Federal Government’s National Broadband Network. This initiative as been on the national agenda for some time now, but debate continues in a number of areas as the Government looks to set the foundations for a national broadband service.
For those without a solid understanding of the NBN, here’s an introduction to the planned Network and how it’s hoped it will (eventually) reshape the role of broadband technology in everyday life.
The N-B-what?
NBN stands for National Broadband Network – a Federal Government initiative that will see Fibre to the Home (FTTH), the fastest broadband available in Australia, supplied to 90% of Australian home and businesses. The remaining 10% will have access to high speed broadband via mobile or satellite technology.
The Government has set up its very own business enterprise – NBN Co Limited – for the initial design and construction of the Network, with the reins to then be shared with communications providers in a public-private partnership.
It’s kind of a big deal
If we think about the future potential of broadband-related communications, the NBN is a big deal – really big. In fact, the Federal Government’s initial pledge of up to $43 billion for the supply of top-notch broadband to some eight million houses and businesses makes the NBN the largest single infrastructure investment in Australia’s history.
The NBN won’t be built in a day
Providing eight million houses and businesses with FTTH broadband is no mean feat, and plugging them into the NBN pipeline won’t happen overnight. The Network has been earmarked to be up and running in stages over the next eight years, helping stimulate the economy with an estimated 47,000 new jobs.
Network construction has already begun in areas of Tasmania, with rollout scheduled for mainland Australia thereafter.
The times, they are a-changing
Technology tends to move at breakneck speeds, so it’s sometimes a bit of a struggle to stay on top of advancements. Over the next decade, on the back of a fully functioning NBN, it’s hoped broadband technology will be continue to scale new heights.
The excitement around the NBN stems from the increased bandwidth potential of FTTH technology, paving the way for new advancements in the way we communicate.
Bandwidth refers to how fast data flows through the path that travels to your computer; the greater the bandwidth, the more information transferred at one time. FTTH delivers the fastest broadband available in Australia and promises a range of communications benefits in all areas of life, but notably business, health, education security and recreation.
Looking forward
When you think about current technology and the dependency on regular broadband speeds for our home and business needs, it’s easy to see how a faster, Fibre-driven NBN opens the door to a whole stack of communication opportunities.
Yes, the wonders of the NBN are several years away from becoming a reality, but it’s nice to take a quick look into the future and think about how the National Broadband Network will potentially redefine the way we communicate with one another, and how Australia will eventually be a part of it.
From a consumer point of view, an NBN offers greater choice and a better service. For Westnet – an ‘NBN-ready’ provider – it means getting in on the act to supply our Members with first class broadband and enhancing their online experience.
Keep an eye on the news for more advancements in the NBN!
Posted by josh.nicholson
March 5th, 2010 at 5:34 am
Not before time either. Telstra have us nailed to the wall at present with the most expensive internet costs anywhere…and that for copper that has been in place since Adam was a lad. I can’t even get ADSL2 in my place and luckily still have a contract that gives me unlimited data download for my monthly fee…I’m fortunate compared with others paying out of the nose for pitiful limits and lousy speeds.
We’ve no idea what the new system running costs will be for us comsumers but they surely can’t be more than the current rip off.
March 5th, 2010 at 6:53 am
I am a little cynical about the “promise” of FTTH by the Federal Government because governments in general at every level are hopeless at delivering services compared to the private sector.
I reckon Westnet could do its customers, as well as the broader community, a great service by providing monthly monitoring reports on the actual REAL progress that is being made by NBN Co Ltd – hard facts and statistics on what is actually being achieved, rather than airy-fairy spin by politicians and over-paid fat-cat bureaucrats promising what they plan to do!
If the fiasco of the $2.3 billion roof insulation scheme is a guide, I hate to think what could happen with a public infrastructure project having $43 billion of taxpayers money to play with!!
So Westnet…..how about taking on the role of “Keeping the Bastards Honest”!
Many thanks……….
March 5th, 2010 at 7:28 am
Thanks very much for that update on the new Broadband services which the Govt is implementing,it is much appreciated that Westnet is keeping it’s customers informed of what’s happening with this new initiative,WELL DONE WESTNET, keep up the good work. Peter Hegarty.
March 5th, 2010 at 8:05 am
With current speeds at my location, a mere 80 km from Adelide, being at a “Stone-Age” speed of about 50 KB/s, a proper broadband service cannot come a moment too soon!
March 5th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
How much is this new NBN projected to cost per month?
March 5th, 2010 at 6:48 pm
A couple of questions
1)Is this,NBN Co, to be Assoc. with Telstra as part of the “C’wealths ” share of the venture.
2) If not what will happen to Telstras B$13 approx of existing cable, and infrastructure…is that a Taxpayer loss!!
3) How long before we (or me) in SW of WA are likely to receive the benefit of this.
4)Will States not receiving this, have to subsidise those, able to have access in the interim.
March 8th, 2010 at 6:29 am
Hi,
Thanks for a concise rundown on the new system. We are looking forward to some great technology.
With best wishes,
B and K.
March 9th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
Hello Brian and Ian,
Thanks for showing interest in knowing even more about the NBN – it appears there’s a number of important decisions to be made before definitive answers to your questions can be found!
Just like you, we’re anxiously awaiting news that will provide the answers to the many questions being posed by individuals, groups and organisations around the country. Westnet, as an ‘NBN-ready’ provider, is looking forward to the possibility of working with the Australian Government in defining the framework for the NBN.
At this early stage, with the NBN still in its infancy, we’re waiting on specifics. We’ll keep an eye on the news and the NBN Co website for updates. Rest assured we’ll be sure to provide news on important developments as they happen – keeping in mind the Network will take the best part of eight years to construct.
Thanks again for the feedback.
Kind regards,
Josh Nicholson
Westnet Newsletter
August 6th, 2010 at 9:47 am
Its rediculous to say that Governments cannot provide utility services. Who do you think established the original Electricity, Telephone and Mail services.
August 7th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
I get a bit tired of the orthodoxy that government cannot perform whereas private industry can. The roof insulation fiasco was created by PRIVATE contractors taking advantage of the consumer and the government. Sure the government should have controlled things better, but we can’t have it both ways. We complain about Australia being the most bureaucratically governed country in the world with petty regulations crowding us on all sides. And then call for more government control.
Large scale infrastructure projects require government action. It’s worked in the past. The NBN is no different. This is a project in the interests of the nation as a whole. Private industry doesn’t operate in the interests of the nation as a whole. It operates in the interests of its shareholders and there is no profit to be made in catering for all Australians. Just ask Telstra.
December 11th, 2010 at 8:21 am
Dear Trevor Hulcup,
Who do you work for and who pays your wages? (Rhetorical question as I already know the answer).
John.