NBN is progressing with plans to install a new fixed wireless telecommunications tower at Kentucky South, but has quietly dropped announced upgrades at Mungindi and Moree.
This project, part of the NSW Government’s ‘Gigstate’ initiative, seeks to expand high-speed internet to underserved areas, supporting local residents, businesses, and farms. Announced in March last year by former MP Adam Marshall, Kentucky, Deepwater, Emmaville, Mungindi and areas surrounding Walcha and Moree are the six locations in the New England that were to get a new fixed wireless tower. The new towers are to be rolled out incrementally and will be completed by the end of 2025.
However, as there had already been fixed Wi-Fi rolled out at Mungindi and Moree under a different program by the same department, those two planned towers will not go ahead.
A spokesperson for the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development explained that under the grant guidelines, the program cannot fund areas where there is an overlap in services.
“The NSW Government established the Regional Digital Connectivity Program (RDCP) to enhance digital infrastructure and services across underserviced rural, regional, and remote areas of the state.
“As part of the program, the NSW Government announced a partnership with NBN Co in March 2023 to deliver fast and reliable fixed wireless internet to 46 locations across rural and regional NSW.
“Two locations, including Mungindi and the area surrounding Moree, were removed from the project after the NSW Government identified fixed wireless internet services are already available to those communities through a local provider.
“The remaining locations within the nbn regional fixed wireless project are currently in a detailed planning and design phase.”
The first tower to progress will be the Kentucky South tower. Located on Tracey’s Road, the new tower is expected to bring significant advantages to the area, where internet access is often unreliable. Community members interested in learning more about the tower’s specifications, purpose, and location can visit the Radio Frequency National Site Archive online at www.rfnsa.com.au/2354020.
Top image: Adam Marshall announced the upgrades at Kentucky last year (supplied)
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