NBN Co has outlined details of its multi-technology national broadband network (NBN) rollout, confirming fibre-to-the-node (FTTN) will be the likely broadband technology for communities where other technologies are not already in place.Under NBN Co’s multi-technology principles, only areas in which fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) has already been deployed or is in the advanced stages of being built will remain part of the FTTP rollout.
NBN Co stated communities not already serviced by other technologies are likely to receive FTTN, and in the case of multi-dwelling units such as apartment blocks fibre-to-the-basement (FTTB).
However, a fibre-on-demand product is also under consideration.
“Work is underway to develop guidelines so that individuals or businesses with specific speed requirements can purchase fibre up to their premises,” NBN Co stated.
“Equally so, NBN will work with small communities that choose to co-fund FTTP if they are in an alternative technology area.”
NBN Co additionally advised that households and businesses already served by the Optus or Telstra hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) cable networks will receive broadband over an upgraded HFC network.
Households or businesses where fixed wireless or satellite networks are earmarked for deployment will remain part of the fixed wireless or satellite rollout.
“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,” commented NBN Co chief executive officer Bill Morrow.
“Universal access, sufficient speeds, affordability, and the time to build are all key factors necessary for us to achieve these benefits, and the MTM [multi-technology mix] guidelines were developed with these in mind.”
