The National Broadband Network Co (NBN Co) has announced it will build three new satellite ground stations that help isolated areas of the state connect to the NBN service.

 

The facilities will be constructed in Geraldton, Carnarvon and Kalgoorlie and will act as essential transmission centres to deliver services over the National Broadband Network for up to 7 per cent of the population who cannot access fibre to the home.

 

“These ground stations will bring jobs to the local economies and act as essential NBN satellite gateways, helping deliver fast, affordable, and reliable broadband to rural and remote communities across Australia," Minister for the Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Senator Steven Conroy said.

 

The Government estimates the construction of the three stations will generate up to 90 jobs for the region.

 

The new satellite ground stations will support the NBN’s Long Term Satellite Service, which is expected to begin operating in 2015. Two NBN communications satellites are currently under construction and will deliver wholesale speeds of up to 12Mbps.*