Sessions to offer a taste of satellite NBN

SESSIONS in Torquay and Winchelsea next week will allow people to have a first-hand experience of the National Broadband Network’s (NBN) satellite service.

A custom-made vehicle at the sessions will carry a portable satellite antenna, which will allow people to connect to the NBN via a Wi-Fi hotspot powered by the SkyMuster satellite.

Intended to service regional and remote parts of Australia, satellite NBN is for residents and businesses that cannot connect to any of the NBN’s fixed-line services.

NBN Co Local Victoria and Tasmania head Ebony Aitken said the community information sessions were part of the company’s commitment to improving customer experience on the NBN for regional and remote Australia.

“The rollout of the NBN access network is one of the biggest transformations to Australia’s telecommunications industry to ever occur – it represents significant change for consumers and businesses as they make the move to the new network.

“We have been listening to the community’s feedback and are committed to providing answers to the questions Torquay and Winchelsea residents want to know about the NBN access network and the factors that influence the speed of their internet service.

“We encourage members of the community to attend and ask any questions they may have.

“Although retail service providers should always be the first point of contact for any resident or business, the NBN Co Local team is dedicated to working with local stakeholders to help ensure local problems are identified early and addressed.”

She said the NBN was switched on in parts of Torquay almost 18 months ago, so the copper network would be decommissioned for those addresses as of next month.

Likewise in Winchelsea, the activation in late 2016 means the copper there will be disconnected in May.

About 200 premises on the outskirts of Winchelsea are expected to be able to order fixed wireless NBN connections in the coming weeks.

No appointments are necessary for the information sessions, which will be held in the Woolworths car park, Walker Street, Torquay, on Monday from 10am-4pm, and at the Anzac Memorial, Palmer Street, Winchelsea, on Tuesday from 8-11am.