• No change to Port internet
• Fixed wireless to be installed in peripheral areas
• Towers to be constructed to service low-density populations

Fast broadband in Port Douglas is still at least three years away under the current NBN plan, however low-populated areas around Port Douglas may see the benefit of the multi-billion dollar project much sooner.

A presentation by NBN Co at the Port Douglas Community Centre on Friday morning revealed the progression of the rollout, which will see Port Douglas' fibre optic network upgraded sometime after 2015.

Michael Player from NBN Co explained to a small group of invited guests that NBN Co will become the wholesaler to retail service providers such as Telstra, Optus, and iinet, and he expects competition will drive prices down for consumers who currently pay $50 to $70 per month for data in a number of the NBN trial locations.

44 retailer service providers have already agreed to sell the NBN product.

Mr Player said a fibre optic network will cover 93% of Australia's population, while the reaming 7% will be reached through fixed wireless (4%) and satellite services (3%).

Premises in the Port Douglas "periphery" will receive fixed wireless services that Mr Player described as up to 150 times faster than the dial-up network and eight times faster than ADSL1. This will then give residents and businesses 12mbps download and 1mbps upload capacity.

He said that, where possible, existing infrastructure such as mobile phone towers will be used to deliver the product, however, in areas where there is no line of site to a tower, "mono-towers" between 35m and 40m tall may be constructed after consultation and development approvals are sought with Cairns Regional Council.

Satellite technology will also be implemented, but not until after 2015, to help cover areas not encompassed by fibre optics or fixed wireless. As these two services' coverage expands, however, satellite dishes will become obsolete.

Premises with no line of sight to a tower or satellite, such as those in a gully or impeded by trees, may not receive the improved services.

Community Relations Adviser for NBN Co, Tony Gibbs said rural and regional Australia has been left behind when it comes to telecommunications, but the NBN Co plan hopes to change that.
 
“Subject to final radio frequency planning and other approvals the fixed wireless network plans to cover up to 5,000 premises across five local councils. These include Aurukun Shire Council, Cairns Regional Council, Cook Shire Council, Tablelands Regional Council, Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council.

“If the proposals are approved it is expected facilities will start to be switched on in stages from around mid to late 2013,” he said.

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