NBN satellite services – a voyage of opportunity
The launch of Sky Muster last year and the subsequent availability of the Long Term Satellite Service (LTSS) for rural and remote residents has been greatly anticipated. For those struggling to educate their children via distance education with internet connectivity inferior to some third world countries, the roll-out is monumental. Coupled with this, an announcement that there will be provision for an ‘education port’ which will provide up to 50GB of extra data per distance education student for up to three students, and things are certainly looking up!
The path to connectivity is, however, not without its challenges. Distance education families will need to be informed, proactive and know the questions to ask to ensure they receive the very best of what is available in this space. The pride of the fleet - the education port - will ultimately be offered by Retail Service Providers (RSPs) and not nbn directly. It is important to be aware that some RSPs will not be selling the education port. When shopping around for services, families should make it clear from the outset that they will require the extra port for distance education to ensure they are dealing with a provider who can supply it.
There is a myriad of options available to achieve the best system possible to suit the needs of the home, business and education, as well as alternatives for larger home schoolrooms with more than three students. Considerations for families wishing to access the education port will include how many students will require servicing, expected data usage for each student and where the home schoolroom is situated (part of main dwelling, standalone building or other).
It is essential that customers register their interest on the nbn website map as soon as possible to ensure nbn knows the location and type of service required. RSPs can only finalise contracts after the official launch of the Sky Muster service, expected in late April 2016. Until then, applications are deemed as ‘expressions of interest’. Those who have registered interest with an RSP should expect to be contacted after the launch to finalise arrangements.
The opportunity for distance education families to finally have an internet service which keeps pace with the ever increasing digital resources which is the Australian curriculum is before us. Families should take the time to become well-informed. The key will be robust information and communication sharing to ensure that everybody can jump on board and sail collectively into a future of better educational experiences and outcomes for distance education students.
For further assistance please email ICPA Queensland’s communications portfolio head, Andrew Pegler – councillor12@bigpond.com
– Kim Hughes, ICPA Qld president
