Supporting Our Communities During Natural Disasters

According to a report from the Australian Communications and Media Authority, mobile network outages during the 2019-20 bushfres were overwhelmingly due more to loss of power than fre damage.

To ensure that regional and rural areas including here in northern Tasmania, have better access to broadband connectivity during a bushfre or other natural disaster, satellite dishes have been installed by NBN Co in Lilydale and Karoola so locals can stay connected with family and essential services in the event of a natural disaster.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said the satellite services will also act as a critical piece of infrastructure for emergency services workers.

“Te satellite service provides emergency service workers with connectivity to help manage their disaster response and recovery eforts,” Mrs Archer said.

“Tese dishes will help people in disaster-afected locations to stay in contact before, during and afer a bushfre or other emergency.

“Te satellite dish in Lilydale covers the local Memorial Hall, and will be used in emergency events, including if the hall is set up as an evacuation centre.”

Sam Marshall from NBN Co said the service provides essential back up communications using satellite technology and will be switched on to ‘disaster mode’ during an emergency event.

“During such an event, this technology allows us to provide free full satellite broadband functionality, including Wi-Fi and video streaming,” Mr Marshall said.

“In addition to the satellite dishes, NBN also have mobile kits, known as “Fly Away kits” that can be taken anywhere.

“Tis equipment can be rapidly mobilised to support communities with Wi-Fi connectivity when they are most in need.”

Te Satellite Dishes and Fly Away kits are part of a $37.1 million Securing Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters package to prevent, mitigate and manage telecommunications in natural disasters.