NATIONAL Broadband Network has started the rollout of faster internet to most of Horsham’s residential areas and part of Haven.
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Almost all the areas of Horsham that will receive Fibre-to-the-Node fixed-fine connections have seen work commence.
Fibre-to-the-node connections involve running fibre optic cables to green metal cabinets every few streets and using existing copper phone lines to hook up individual houses and businesses.
Some of the cabinets have already been installed in Firebrace Street.
The new connections promise speeds up to five times faster than existing services.
NBN spokesman Russell Kelly said Horsham’s fibre-to-the-node services were not active yet.
Most areas in Horsham have expected completion dates in October.
“We’ve aimed to have 10,000 premises covered,” he said.
“As more and more people connect to the NBN they have to talk to providers and might need new equipment. It can get quite complicated.”
Mr Russell said new information and videos about getting connected were available at nbnco.com.au.
Most properties in the built-up areas located within 1.5 to three kilometres of Horsham’s Post Office will receive fixed-line NBN.
Some areas south of the Wimmera River located up to 5.25 kilometres from the post office will receive fixed-line services.
Outside of fixed-line areas, the residents businesses and farmers will be connected to fixed-wireless or ‘Sky Muster’ satellite services.
Fixed-wireless NBN uses a rooftop antenna to connect to mobile-phone style towers.
The fixed wireless towers that are currently around Horsham, one up at Dooen and McKenzie Creek and further out at Natimuk, throw out a wireless signal for 16kms around the towers,” Mr Kelly said.
“Those towers are live already. Most people in those areas already have the NBN.”