Keeping pace with increasing data usage and future innovations
Improving education options through better digital access.
The average Australian household downloads seven-and-a-half times more data than it did a decade ago, and this is set to double again within the next eight years. Meanwhile, the average household uploads will double in just four years.
To help ensure regional and remote Australians arenโt left behind, the nbnยฎ Fixed Wireless and Satellite Upgrade Program upgraded more than 2300 towers to deliver faster wholesale speeds across the Fixed Wireless network, from which regional and remote Australians can now benefit via participating retail service providers.
At the same time, a smaller satellite footprint has increased network capacity for those remaining in the satellite-serving area and this has enabled plans with uncapped data usage, subject to fair use and shaping to be offered to nbn Sky Muster Plus Premium customers via the two Sky Muster satellites that sit high above Australia in stationary Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO).
In a sign of where upgrades could be headed in the future, this year nbn and Ericsson successfully conducted live field trials of the latest 5G millimetre wave (mmWave) technology in parts of the Fixed Wireless network, achieving wholesale download speeds exceeding 1 Gbps and wholesale upload speeds of more than 100 Mbps, at a distance of approximately 10 kilometres.
nbn is also exploring options for a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite solution which may serve the satellite footprint in future. This is to ensure it offers a range of technologies that service the connectivity needs of all Australians, no matter where they live.
Thanks to these ongoing advancements, Australians who live in remote communities will continue to enjoy access to an uplifted internet experience bringing even more opportunities to their door.
For more information on how nbn is transforming connectivity in Australian communities, visit the nbn website.