The NBN Company delivers fibre to a variety of premises along with fixed wireless and satellite technologies. The plan is designed to accelerate Australias digital economy.
What is the Digital Economy?
The digital economy is comprised of computers, game consoles, phones and other digital devices that are used each day. These devices may be used to search for local restaurants, send text messages or use navigational devices in cars. The digital economy describes both economic and social activities that are enabled by the Internet, mobile phone and sensor networks. The
NBN accelerates the digital economy in Australia by boosting its productivity, social well-being and global competitiveness.
The lives of people living in rural Australia are also improved by access to
National Broadband Network. They have more access to a variety of economic avenues, educational pursuits, health information and countless other social and environmental outcomes that are improved through access to NBN. The NBN is the foundation of the infrastructure that will propel Australias digital economy.
As a part of the Digital Communities Initiative, $23.8 million was awarded to The Digital Hubs program to provide training and support to residents in local communities. In addition, $12.4 million was provided through The Digital Enterprise program to train small to medium enterprises and not-for-profit organizations. Each initiative teaches businesses how they can use the National Broadband Network in their communities and workplaces.
How Does It Work?
The FTTP footprint or National Broadband network connects to the Ethernet over a gigabit passive optical network (GPON). The network produces speeds of one gigabit per second. The fibre connects from the street to the power pole or to an underground location. One of the major advantages of this hub is that no electronics are required for full operation. Because of this, water can be applied to the network, and the network will not be harmed.
Up to 200 different premises may be linked to a single fibre distribution hub. Most serving areas consist of 16 fibre distribution areas. These areas may service nearly 3200 different premises. In 10 years, NBN Company hopes to build at least 980 fibre serving areas. This fibre serving areas will provide service to 37,632,000.
A copper network is responsible for delivering the line power to the premises. Since the fibre-optic cables possess no electrical components, only a battery is needed to power the network on premise. The battery will last a total of three to five years and will operate for four hours during a power outage. The maintenance and replacement of the battery will be the responsibility of RSP.
Other Aspects of NBN's Broadband Solution
Fixed wireless and satellite are also a part of the NBN solution. Fixed wireless was purchased from Austar for $120 million in February 2011. NBN Company also signed a 12 month contract with Ericsson to build and operate a network for both regional and rural communities. After an investment of $1.1 billion, the company hopes to offer its first services in 2012. The entire project will be completed by 2015.
By 2015, two satellites will launch by 2015. This will provide broadband services up to six megabits per second. This is also designed to serve rural communities. Each customer is expected to receive 3GB per month and a minimum of 512 kilobits per second. The service will cost the customer no more than $2,500 over the next three years. Satellite services were purchased for $200 million through Optus and $100 million through IPstar.
Conclusion
Australia is making every effort to ensure that every home is wired to the National Broadband Network. Hopefully, they will meet their goal by 2015. Connecting to the National Broadband Network could expand your opportunities socially, academically and economically.
