100 satellites installed under the Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters program

Satellite dishes to provide NBN connectivity have now been installed on 100 Rural Fire Service building and evacuation centres across Australia under the $37.1 million Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) package.

If mobile and fixed-line connectivity goes down in a bushfire, these satellite dishes will allow continued broadband connectivity—including for voice service—to these vital locations.

Minister for Communication, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said communications services are vital to help emergency services and affected communities keep safe during emergencies.

“These satellite dishes are connected to the NBN’s Sky Muster satellites, which have coverage of all 7.7 million square kilometres of Australia and operate even when terrestrial mobile or fixed line networks fail, which will keep communities affected by natural disasters connected to broadband,” Minister Fletcher said.

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, the Hon David Littleproud MP, said the satellite dishes will act as a critical piece of infrastructure for emergency service workers.

“The Government recognises the essential role of fire service depots and evacuation centres during times of crisis, which is why we committed $7 million to deliver upgraded connectivity to these locations across the country,” Minister Littleproud said.