The National Broadband Network won’t reach certain parts of Nyngan by fixed line, according to a map in the Bogan Shire Council’s possession.
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The Early Learning Centre, John Hoare OAM business park, some houses and businesses, the Nyngan Showground and new residences around the old hospital won’t be able to connect to the fixed line, according to the map
The council is very concerned about how the internet will reach the people not in the fixed line footprint.
At its July meeting, councillors discussed which areas of Nyngan would be connected to the fixed line NBN and resolved to contact the Federal Communications Minister.
The council has been informed businesses and residences not connected to the system will be hooked up to wireless broadband from towers around the outskirts of town.
“Council is concerned the current footprint does not adequately service the existing township and makes no provision for future growth, ” the council general manager Derek Francis said.
An nbn spokesperson said the choice of technology is decided area by area based on the best solution for the location.
“Several factors are considered including geographical location, existing infrastructure, cost and time to build,” they said.
“As a general rule, rural, remote or town outskirt areas, where the relative low density of premises means the cost per premises would be excessive to roll out fixed line services, [these premises] utilise the Fixed Wireless or Sky Muster satellite technologies in order to provide services over the nbn network.”
These low density areas include the Nyngan Riverside Caravan Park and Temples Lane, the Nyngan Airport and Business Park, Tottenham Road, Oxley Street and Dandaloo Street.
The council has resolved to take its concerns about the nbn footprint straight to the government.
“Council has met with nbn representatives over the past year and has concerns with the current footprint submitted by the network designers,” Mr Francis said.
He said the council will write to Federal Communications Minister Senator Mitch Fifield, Federal Minister for Regional Communications Fiona Nash and Federal Parkes MP Mark Coulton.
Mr Francis said the footprint follows the current telecommunications hardware.
“There are some residential and commercial properties within the levy bank which do not have existing telecommunications cabling.
“These businesses will be given wireless broadband under the nbn. Council has concerns this may not be of the same standard as the fixed node NBN,” he said.
Grace Ryan
Deputy Editor at the Central Western Daily, Orange. You'll mostly find me tinkering in social media and newsletters. Working hard to get our stories in front of your eyes.
Deputy Editor at the Central Western Daily, Orange. You'll mostly find me tinkering in social media and newsletters. Working hard to get our stories in front of your eyes.
