NBN Co has outlined the principles that will determine which access technology will be deployed to connect communities to the NBN.
NBN Co will deploy a range of technologies and utilise existing fit-for-purpose network infrastructure to deliver the minimum data rates required by the federal government’s broadband policy. The multitechnology principles mean that most households and businesses:
- already served by the Optus or Telstra Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) cable networks, will receive fast broadband over an upgraded HFC network;
- where the NBN fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) network has been deployed or is in advanced stages of being built, will remain part of the FTTP rollout; and,
- where the NBN fixed wireless or satellite networks are earmarked for deployment, will remain part of the fixed wireless or satellite rollout.
All other communities are likely to receive fast broadband over fibre-to-the-node (FTTN) and, in the case of multidwelling units such as apartment blocks, fibre-to-the-basement (FTTB).
NBN Co Chief Executive Officer Bill Morrow said, “In order to optimise the benefits of a digital economy we must first, and foremost, address the under-penetration of broadband access as soon as possible. Universal access, sufficient speeds, affordability and the time to build are all key factors necessary for us to achieve these benefits and the MTM guidelines were developed with these in mind.”
Also under consideration is a fibre-on-demand product. Work is underway to develop guidelines so that individuals or businesses with specific speed requirements can purchase fibre up to their premises. Equally so, NBN will work with small communities that choose to co-fund FTTP if they are in an alternative technology area.