The National Broadband Network (nbn) is the network of cables that connects you to the internet via a modem. The nbn is replacing copper wires and cable broadband with optical fibre and other technologies to deliver more reliable, high-capacity internet to your home.

Fixed wireless – is used extensively in our Shire as it has been determined that laying optic fibre is often too costly. With this connection type, nbn co runs wires to a transmission tower and then broadcasts a broadband signal to your house or business via an antenna. Fixed wireless is limited in the speeds available and generally costs more for data than an optic fibre-based service.

Fibre to the node (FTTN) - uses optic fibre to centralised ‘nodes’ which then uses existing copper cables from the node to a house or business. Fibre to the node is only available in Murrindindi Shire in areas of Kinglake, Yea and Alexandra. Fibre to the node offers greater speed than either fixed wireless or satellite, but is much slower than a Fibre to the Premises connection.

Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)- Some businesses and residents have opted to pay for fibre installation directly to their business or house, but these connections are relatively rare in our Shire.

FTTP connections require an nbn network device to be installed inside your home. This device requires power to operate and can only be installed by an approved nbn installer or phone and internet provider.

Satellite - For many remote parts of our Shire, the only available nbn technology is via satellite. For this service, nbn broadcasts a signal to a satellite dish which then relays that to your home. This option is used for areas where no internet infrastructure exists. Speed is slower on satellite services than either fixed wireless or fibre to the node. Satellite internet can also be impacted by weather extremes or heavy smoke.

ADSL - Some areas have retained their older dial up or ADSL internet which uses existing copper lines. This type of internet is being phased out with the introduction of the other nbn technologies.

Murrindindi Shire’s larger towns are generally serviced well by the major mobile phone services providers. However, our smaller communities often have little or no connectivity. For example, Fawcett has no phone reception at all, despite being located so close to Alexandra. Similarly, Spring Valley Road in Flowerdale has very restricted services. There are many other locations across the municipality with similar issues.

The Victorian Government has developed a report as part of their Connecting Victoria Program which examines where there are issues in Victoria with mobile and broadband connectivity. Unfortunately, their study did not include any data on telecommunications and broadband in the Hume region more broadly or in Murrindindi Shire at all. Council is attempting to fill in these gaps in the Program – we want to gather data on mobile and internet capacity and capability in Murrindindi Shire because, to date, no one else has gathered this type of information in our municipality. We can then use that information to advocate for better access to telecommunications and broadband for all residents in our Shire.

Both the nbn and mobile phone services are reliant on a reliable power network. If the power network is interrupted, nbn will stop working immediately (unless you upgrade to a battery powered back up service for your nbn service - Battery back-up information | nbn (nbnco.com.au)).

Mobile services may continue for a limited time as they have battery back-ups. Most of the telecommunications towers in our Shire have a 3-hour battery back-up, with only a few upgraded towers having a 12-hour battery back-up. This means that if the power doesn’t come back on, or an alternative power source can’t be delivered within that time, no one will be able to use their mobile phones or landlines if the power is out.

Wherever possible, we encourage people to have a battery powered back-up AM/FM radio in their emergency kits. In our Shire, the ABC and UGFM are recognised emergency broadcasters. They will both continue to operate, even in extended power outages. For more information on what AM/FM emergency signal is available at your location, go to: Emergency Management Resources - Murrindindi Shire Council

Council will use the information we receive from our community to support our advocacy efforts to telecommunications providers and the Victorian and Australian Governments for better infrastructure, and a system that’s stronger in the face of natural disasters. In particular, we will use blackspot information to help guide future applications for blackspot funding and information on National Broadband Network (NBN) issues to advocate for better and more equitable access across our Shire.

The connectivity page on The Loop will remain open over time to build a picture of where issues with nbn and telecommunications are in the municipality. Unfortunately, we need everyone to be patient and work with us as changes to the nbn and telecommunications networks require time and a combined advocacy effort to achieve the best results.

As the 5G and 4G signal roll out progresses, mobile network operators are going to begin to shutdown 3G services. This will continue until 2024 when all 3G is designated to be switched off Australia wide – Telstra for example has listed the shut off to occur in January 2024. 3G will be turned off for all network providers by mid-2024.

Murrindindi Shire is a rural area and relies heavily on 3G for basic data and phone reception, particularly in more remote areas. Telstra has said that areas covered by 3G will have access to 4G by the time they switch off the 3G service. Other providers have not stated what they are planning to do to boost their 4G coverage.

If you have a 3G only device and it is still working, you will need to replace it with something that is 4G compatible before then.