NBN launches FTTN

NBN has officially launched its commercial fibre-to-the-node (FTTN) technology, as the next step in its overall multi-technology model (MTM).

The initial FTTN rollout launched in Belmont, NSW, and the NBN aims to have 500,000 premises ready to receive FTTN services by mid-2016, then 3.7 million premises by mid-2018.

More than 1.6 million homes and businesses are expected to be connected to the NBN network via FTTN technology by mid-2018.

FTTN, fibre-to-the-premiser (FTTP), and Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) will comprise the majority of the new-look NBN.

FTTN technology delivers fast broadband via fibre-optic cable that runs to and from neighbourhood nodes using copper lines to deliver high-speed broadband via VDSL technology.

Deployment is faster and simpler than other broadband technologies such as fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP), according to NBN, as the entire connection from the exchange to most homes and businesses won’t need to be replaced.

NBN said the simplicity of FTTN services will ensure faster activation for end-users than other broadband technologies.

To sell its FTTN services, NBN has signed Wholesale Broadband Agreements (WBA) with over twenty Retail Service Providers including Telstra, Optus, Optus Wholesale, Exetel, TPG, iiNet, AAPT, SkyMesh, Harbour ISP and M2 Group (Dodo, iPrimus, Commander).

“Overseas experience in markets like the UK and Germany has proven the value of FTTN in delivering fast broadband services to millions of premises both quickly and cost effectively,” said Tony Cross, NBN’s Chief Architect.

“Our own FTTN end-user trials have been hugely encouraging in showing that FTTN can deliver great speeds to Australians, with most end-users on the trial getting wholesale speeds of 100Mbps (download) and 40Mbps (upload).”