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Upgrades to nbn Fixed Wireless network in the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River

Nbn is currently undertaking a significant Regional Upgrade Program and work has started on the upgrades to the nbn Fixed Wireless network in the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River, which will benefit many local households and businesses by providing access to faster speeds and extending the coverage of the nbn Fixed Wireless network.

The upgrade works are part of a $750 million investment, made up of $480 million from the Australian Government and an additional $270 million from NBN Co.

Once complete, the upgrade program aims to expand the reach of the existing Fixed Wireless footprint by up to 50%, as well as enabling many of our existing fixed wireless users to achieve faster and more consistent speeds during busy periods (like the evening).  It will also enable the introduction of new higher-speed tiers, one of which when launched is expected to be available across the entire fixed-wireless footprint and deliver a peak wholesale downlink speed range of 100-130 Mbps and the other when launched is expected to be available to 85% of the Fixed Wireless footprint and to deliver a peak wholesale download speed range of 200-325 Mbps. The additional capacity and reach available on the upgraded network will also support approximately 120,000 existing Sky Muster Satellite-only premises to access nbn Fixed Wireless for the first time.

To enable the upgrades, nbn is introducing new technology and replacing some hardware on our Fixed Wireless towers, which will result in some planned outages or service interruptions that may impact the ability of homes and businesses to use their nbn network service while work is underway. We will  take all reasonable efforts to minimise service interruptions; however, there are occasions where towers will need to be taken offline.

Until now, nbn has also been undertaking night works where possible to carry out the upgrades, however we are now moving towards daytime works on the majority of towers across the network to enable us to meet our commitment on delivering these upgrades across regional Australia.   We have started making this transition and will conduct daytime works on the Cowaramup, Wilyabrup and Gracetown towers this month.

To minimise disruption to customers, nbn is working on a range of initiatives, depending on tower location and requirement. These may include:
  • Using temporary antennas to help maintain service for many customers.
  • Migrating services to other local towers, where viable.
  • Preparing equipment before arriving on site to minimise downtime.

Impacted homes and businesses will be notified of these outages via their retail service provider.

Information will also be available via the network status page on the nbn website nbn.com.au/outages

Once these works are complete, nbn expects that faster download speeds during the busy period will become available across the network.

The tower works will not impact nbn fixed line or nbn Sky Muster satellite services.
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