JESSE NEILL
HOMES and businesses in Gawler West, Two Wells, and Hillier are expected to benefit from upgrades to the region’s National Broadband Network (NBN) fixed wireless system.
NBN Co identified a number of businesses and homes across the greater Gawler area that may be experiencing slower speeds due to higher than expected take-up rates of services over the fixed wireless network, and high usage levels in the evening.
Head of NBN Local for South Australia and the Northern Territory Tim Saul said the upgrades – which are to be carried out this week between July 22 and 26 – are part of the “national program to increase the capacity and service quality of the NBN’s fixed wireless network”.
“By and large the network is performing well, but for a small amount of users on some of our towers, the service quality probably isn’t as great as we’d hope for it to be during peak times,” he said.
“We are committed to helping to improve the network and broadband experience for Two Wells and Gawler West residents.
“We will continue to work with local councils, as well as phone and internet providers to help ensure households and businesses are getting the best possible access to support and service that we can.”
While NBN Co is currently focused on improving the fixed wireless component of the system, it also hopes to upgrade the whole network over time as demand requires.
Mr Saul recommends locals concerned about not being able to access fixed wireless during the upgrades to contact their service provider about the available options.
“People should expect some interruption during the day this week,” he said.
“We’re working at height and we can’t work with live towers – it’s just too dangerous.
“We need to take the towers offline to complete the work and the peak usage time in the evening won’t be interrupted.”
The upgrades are expected to be complete by Friday and will impact around 1000 premises over the course of the week.
Some disruptions such as outages or drop outs may occur for several hours during the day, however these premises will also be the beneficiaries of the network upgrade.
To learn more about the NBN’s fixed wireless network and any planned outages, please call your phone and internet provider about when expected upgrades are due to occur.