The National Broadband Network Co (NBN Co) has announced it has begun outlining plans to roll out its fixed wireless service to a number of small communities and rural residents in the Northern Rivers.

The company has announced it has started discussions with local councils as well as a range of interest groups as part of the consultation process that will see community information sessions hekd for Lismore, Ballina and Tweed Shire areas between February 25 and 27. 

Plans are currently being finalised for fixed-wireless facilities in seven council areas:

  • Ballina Shire
  • Byron Shire
  • Clarence Valley Shire
  • Kyogle Council
  • City of Lismore
  • Richmond Valley Council
  • Tweed Shire

Federal Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, said the announcement was welcome news for regional Australia.

"This is a quantum leap in broadband services for regional, rural and remote Australia. It is part of the $15 billion the Gillard Government is spending to improve telecommunications in regional Australia through the NBN,” Senator Conroy said.

NBN Co’s Community Relations Adviser, Tony Gibbs, said that that the rollout of the service is a key step in bringing modern telecommunications to the rural Australia.

“For decades, rural and regional Australia has been left behind when it comes to telecommunications and in a modern world, more and more is done on-line,” Mr Gibbs said.

“In the coming months NBN Co plans to lodge development applications with councils covering new sites or co-locating our equipment on existing infrastructure.

“Following that, we plan further consultation on the specific proposals for new fixed-wireless facilities at several community information sessions for interested residents.”