Work has commenced on a National Broadband Network fixed wireless service in the areas around Berri and Cadell.
Senator for South Australia Anne Ruston, a member of the NBN Select Committee who is also based in the region, welcomed the addition of Berri and Cadell to the NBN rollout in the Riverland.
"The commencement of work in Cadell and Berri follows our announcement last month of work starting at Loxton and Glossop," Senator Ruston said.
"This is more good news for the Riverland. When the NBN fixed wireless build is completed, large areas of the region will be able to employ download speeds of up to 25 megabits per second and upload speeds of up to five megabits per second.
"The NBN’s fixed wireless network uses cellular technology to transmit signals but unlike mobile networks, a local fixed wireless facility is designed to service a set number of premises which means the available bandwidth per premise is fairly consistent, even a peak usage times."
‘Build commenced’ means that NBN Co has issued contract instructions to construction partners so they can commence work in the area. The ‘build commenced’ boundaries are subject to change during the construction process.
"The Abbott Government is committed to delivering an NBN more quickly, at a lower cost to taxpayers and which is more affordable for consumers," Senator Ruston said.
"We’re also committed to ensuring the rural, regional and remote Australia is a priority for the rollout. In May the NBN became available to more than 30 rural and regional communities, including Meningie and Tailem Bend in South Australia."