Expanded NBN rollout to Tenterfield

People living in areas around Tenterfield will be able to access the National Broadband Network (NBN) from midway through next year, according to the Federal Member for New England, Tony Windsor.
The communities next in line to receive the NBN fixed wireless service were announced on Tuesday by NBN Co Ltd and the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy.
Mr Windsor is delighted so many locals will soon have access to high-speed broadband.
“Planning is now underway to deliver fixed wireless to smaller towns and some rural areas in Inverell Shire, Tenterfield Shire, Glen Innes Severn Shire, Guyra Shire, Uralla Shire, Tamworth Region, Gunnedah Shire and Liverpool Plains Shire,” Mr Windsor said.
“Residents within the fixed wireless footprint should be able to connect to high-speed broadband from midway through next year,” he said.
Under the agreement struck between Mr Windsor and the Prime Minister to allow her to form government after the last election, the NBN rollout was recalibrated to favour regional areas and a cross-subsidy was introduced to ensure country people pay the same as in the city.
“I’m pleased that my agreement with the government is paying off for local people.
“The NBN rollout should be focused on regional areas because it is regional areas that have traditionally suffered with poor telecommunications services.
“Likewise, the cross-subsidy means a family in Tingha will pay no more for an equivalent broadband service than a family living near Sydney’s CBD.
“My agreement with the government is delivering fast, reliable and affordable broadband to those with the most to gain – country people,” Mr Windsor said.
He believes the NBN is a game-changer for country people.
“Many communities in the New England that currently have trouble accessing a basic internet service are about to make a huge leap into the future.
“Fixed wireless is up to 150 times faster than dial-up, eight times faster than ADSL, and several times faster than the actual speeds most people receive on ADSL2+.
“It’s also much more reliable during peak periods than both ADSL and mobile broadband.
“High-speed broadband will help country people discover new and more convenient ways of learning, staying healthy, doing business and connecting with the world.
“I’m thrilled that local people will be among the first in Australia to enter the digital age and I particularly thank Minister Stephen Conroy, the Australian Government and NBN Co for recognising the need of country people to have early access to this important service,” Mr Windsor said.