Mount Evelyn
5 Tuesday, 27 October, 2015
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A Mail News Group publication
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NBN rollout ticked By PETER DOUGLAS THE announcement of the NBN being delivered in 2017 to Mount Evelyn and surrounding towns effectively ticks off the entire Yarra Ranges. In NBN Co.’s three-year rollout plan of superfast broadband throughout the Casey electorate, Mount Evelyn and Montrose are due to receive connection in the second half of 2017, with an estimated 7800 premises receiving Fibre to the Node (FTTN) broadband connection. This effectively seals an extensive wait for news on a timeframe, with rollout already secured for much of the surrounding region. Casey MP Tony Smith said the breakdown of the rollout plan would be welcome to many residents. “For the first time, this plan integrates the existing HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial) cable networks across the six largest cities into the NBN rollout,” Mr Smith said. “By using the existing infrastructure, NBN is building the network sooner and at less cost to taxpayers. “The plan does not include satellite technology or roll out to new developments.” Mr Smith said for the majority of households, this meant the NBN would provide the same high speed and quality service, no matter what broadband technology was used. He said the plan represented a commitment to more than 50,000 homes and businesses in the electorate. But whether what is planned will keep residents and business-owners happy is another question. There are some in the community who believe the
FTTN plan, which still requires copper cable from the node to the home, is secondrate and will be costly in the long-term. Among those concerned is Rocco Smit from the Mount Evelyn Chamber of Commerce. Mr Smit, also from Mount Evelyn’s Wildeye IT, has previously condemned the FTTN plan. “Removing politics from the whole scenario, when you’re using copper-based technology, it will reach its capacity,” he said. “To take fibre to the node as opposed to the home is like putting a Formula One engine in a passenger vehicle - yes you can do it, but it won’t be sensible and it won’t go much faster. “The copper wiring will need to be replaced in due course, so they’ll have to double-spend.” Mr Smit said for the Yarra Ranges to keep up with modern, changing technology, they would need fibre optic cables installed to the home. But Mr Smith said the Federal Government’s plan had shaved off years of construction time, while still delivering superfast broadband of at least 50 megabits per second to 90 per cent of the fixed-line footprint. “For the majority of households, this means the NBN will provide the same high speed and high-quality service, no matter what broadband technology is being used,” he said. Residents can check their suburb at www.nbnco.com. au/rolloutplan. Tell us what you think; is the FTTN plan a hit or a miss? Email editor@mailnewsgroup.com.au.
Siblings bag pin-up comp
Mount Evelyn brother and sister duo Lauren, 18, and Harry, 16, Griffith were crowned the winners of the Pin-Up Competition at the 2015 Mount Evelyn Street Party. The day was a rockin’ trip into the world of 50s and Pin-Up culture, local vendors and businesses and Mount Evelyn town spirit in abundance. More photos from the day on page 9. Picture: VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
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