mmg.com.au

The National Broadband Network could be in parts of Mitchell and Strathbogie shires from late next year - but exactly where is still undecided.

NBN Co announced last week it would work with the local governments to ‘‘identify appropriate locations for fixed wireless network infrastructure’’ in both shires.

NBN Co community relations adviser Tony Gibbs said ‘‘fixed wireless aims to deliver speeds and services that city people take for granted’’.

‘‘With services delivered over the NBN you can download movies in minutes, enjoy video calls with fewer drop outs, and get the whole family on line at once.’’

The fixed wireless network was 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, Mr Gibbs said.

Unlike a mobile broadband service, each fixed wireless facility was designed to serve a specific number of premises.

‘‘It is expected that this will result in a more reliable and consistent service, because your speed will generally not be affected by the number of people moving in and out of the area,’’ Mr Gibbs said.

The fixed wireless and satellite networks are for communities with low population density where it is impractical or uneconomical to rollout fibre optic cable.

Fixed wireless services are delivered by radio communications via antennae that transmit a signal direct to a small outdoor antenna on a home or business.

A standard installation of network equipment, including an outdoor antenna and a network termination device will be installed free of charge.

Before the network equipment is installed, a service validation test will be carried out. Copper phone lines will remain in place to provide a telephone service.