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Wireless Broadband Tower Launched at UNE

April 28, 2006

Telstra wireless broadband The Vice-Chancellor of The University of New England (UNE), Professor Alan Pettigrew and General Manager for Telstra Country Wide - North West, Ms Elise Munsie jointly launched the new Telstra Country Wide wireless broadband tower at the University's Institute for Rural Futures yesterday.

The technology means ultra high-speed internet access can be achieved from anywhere on the campus, without wires. The new tower at UNE complements, the existing tower in Armidale and the state-of-the-art communications technology under development at UNE.

“This strong collaborative link between The University of New England and Telstra can only be mutually beneficial, into the future. Let's keep working together,” said Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alan Pettigrew. “I am constantly struck by how fast technology is changing, particular in the area of telecommunications. It is important that UNE stays ahead of the game with what we do,” he said.

“With the cutting edge research at UNE, the sky's the limit for the potential applications for the kind of infrastructure invested by Telstra at UNE,” he said.

The Institute for Rural Futures at UNE focuses on understanding the combined social, environmental and economic pressures of change on rural and regional Australia, with some of these changes being positive steps forward. The Institute has been collaborating closely with Telstra Country Wide on research projects that utilise the kind of wireless technology launched at UNE for numerous
practical applications for farmers and rural communities. “This means that people can be completely mobile, whilst keeping up to speed. They can bring their home office from anywhere in Australia or overseas to the campus and get ultra-fast access. As coverage expands, farmers and residents across
rural Australia can remotely undertake farm activities, monitor stock and water and feel more secure at home,” said Director of the Institute, Professor, David Brunckhorst.

General Manager for Telstra Country Wide - North West, Ms Elise Munsie said Telstra offered wireless broadband internet services through its BigPond™ Wireless Broadband and Telstra Mobile Broadband products with average data speeds of 300 - 600 kilobits per second (Kbps), and a maximum of 2.4 megabits per second (Mbps).

“This innovative technology is a breakthrough for Armidale residents and businesses allowing them to connect to the internet and corporate networks while out of the home or office or away from campus,” Ms Munsie said.

Armidale is one of 272 sites around Australia including Tamworth and Moree to receive new or enhanced coverage as part of a major expansion program to meet the rapid rise in demand for wireless broadband access. The priority placed on the establishment of a tower at UNE is indicative of the
importance of the relationships between UNE and Telstra, in terms of research and development and with the University being the largest telecommunications consumer in northern inland NSW.

Pictured in the above-right photograph is UNE Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alan Pettigrew, Telstra Country Wide area General Manager, Elise Munsie, UNE's Institute for Rural Futures Deputy Director, Brendan Doyle and Director, Professor David Brunckhorst

For further information, please contact Professor David Brunckhorst on: 6773 3001

Posted by Gary Fry at April 28, 2006 10:13 AM