By Parker McKenzie
A backup NBN satellite service has been installed at the Emerald SES station and is already operational, giving the brigade and the local community more resilient internet connection during times of disaster and emergency.
Funded through the Australian federal government’s Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) program, the satellite service offers an alternative or backup internet access.
SES Emerald Controller Ben Owen said the unit has already been put to use during times of bad NBN coverage.
“It’s a fallback from traditional NBN system we have in the building, but it’s also redundancy for times like last year when we lose power to the phone exchanges,” he said.
“It can run off a generator and run off a satellite, so even if it is a fire, flood or storm event we can initially respond ourselves but then other agencies and the community can come to access it if they need to.”
The STAND program provides grants of up to $7.7 million dollars to entities with telecommunication carrier licenses for improvements to infrastructure in regional and remote communities affected by natural disasters.
Minister for Communication Michelle Rowland said the federal government is committed to delivering the investment and infrastructure that local communities need to be better prepared for natural disasters.
“The project in Emerald is one of 1051 delivered so far under the program, with the remaining projects to be completed by November 2022,” she said.
“While no network can ever be 100 per cent disaster-proof, these investments will go a long way towards ensuring local residents can stay connected in the most difficult times, especially to access potentially lifesaving information and advice.”
