NBN adds comms services to keep Aussies online this emergency season
NBN Co are urging Aussies to prepare for disaster season in the country, with $6 million worth of temporary infrastructure added to communities to help them communicate following an emergency.
The new infrastructure will join NBN Co’s existing emergency broadband fleet, which includes Sky Muster satellite trucks and portable satellite kits. NBN Co are also midway through the rollout of their Disaster Satellite Service, with up to 2000 satellites being deployed as part of a federally-funded package.
The $6 million investment will fund the addition of 58 new pieces of temporary infrastructure, including Multi Technology Trailers, Network on Wheels, Wireless Mast Trailers and Hybrid Power Cubes, which will be stationed in different locations across the country for potential deployment when needed.
The communications services made available by these technologies provide a backup broadband connection using satellite technology that can be switched on during an emergency event. The communication assets feature enough broadband capability to support full Wi-Fi and video streaming along with full internet access.
In a period of emergency or disaster in which power is lost, regular NBN and other broadband services won’t be able to connect, thus leaving homes and entire communities potentially without any access to communications.
The new assets are being delegated between states to be readily available in emergency situations, although the portability of most instruments will allow them to be moved when needed to provide temporary communication hubs.
NBN Co are also urging Aussies to be prepared themselves in case of losing connection in emergency situations by keeping a mobile phone and portable charging pack on hand, adding a battery-powered radio to emergency kits and backing up important information.
The available technologies can be deployed into communities following emergency or disaster situations to provide temporary internet services at community hubs and relief centres.
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