What is the NBN?
The National Broadband Network (or NBN) is a high-speed telecommunications network that will bring a very fast broadband link to each and every home or business across Australia. Not only will this broadband link ensure that everyone has affordable 'always-on' access to the internet, it will also serve as a future platform for the delivery of TV, movies and high definition video telephony, as well as future government services such as health and education.
In 2009, NBN Co Limited, a wholly Government-owned company was given the responsibility to build this infrastructure and make it available it to every home, school or business nation-wide - think of it like the development of the power grid a hundred years ago. 93% of Australian premises will be connected to the NBN Australia through fibre-optic cables, capable of delivering speeds of 100 Megabits per second and where physical connection is not possible, fixed wireless or satellite will be made available (which is where we come in).
Both wireless and satellite services will be capable of delivering 12 Megabits per second, a considerable improvement on typical services currently in the market.
Do you have to join the NBN?
While the infrastructure will be available to everyone, when you join the NBN is up to you. All parties understand people's concern that they will be forced to pay for a service they don't want or that they will have to change existing service providers. This is simply not the case, but we do encourage people to take advantage of the FREE installation that will be available at the time of the initial rollout. Connecting your premises to the NBN doesn't mean you have to sign up for a phone or internet service if you don't want to, but it will at least ensure your premises are ready and that you can avoid future hassles as the old copper network technology is disconnected over time (which will affect your current service), but in wireless and satellite areas, the copper network will be maintained for at least ten years.
NBN installation
In addition to the costs savings for households and business, the physical installation is intended to be as smooth a transition as possible, ensuring you are not forced to make unnecessary changes to your current setup and importantly, it will not be necessary to redo you current wiring.
As part of the installation, each and every residence will get a Network Termination Device or "NBN box", which has 2 phone ports and 4 data ports and is backwards compatible.
You can still stay with HarbourSat!
Additionally you will not be required to change providers. NBN Co is not a retail business and you will continue to deal with HarbourSat to gain access to these new services.
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