The constant expansion and development of Australia’s national broadband network (NBN) is a real challenge. Connecting large metropolitan areas in the east with rural areas in the west – and vice versa – is an eye-watering prospect in the sixth largest country in the world.
The uptake of the NBN has naturally been slow; however, a recent agreement between the country’s largest telecommunications provider and the nationwide network is a significant step in the right direction.
An $11 billion deal between NBN and Telstra is a sign that more businesses and homes will have access to fast and reliable fibre optic connections – replacing older and slower copper and hybrid fibre-coaxial infrastructure. The agreement aims to kickstart the network, giving a boost to those looking to find a telecommunications apprenticeship in Queensland.
In fact, the Sunshine State could find itself first in line from such upgrades, to better supply the variety of remote mining facilities in the region.
Spurring industry growth
Telstra is to play a greater role in the construction and maintenance of the network. This will be an integral step to making the sector a greater employer for local jobseekers.
In fact, statistics from IBISWorld suggest this is just what the telecommunications industry needs. The sector is worth $6 billion in annual revenue and is predicted to have a market growth of a significant 7.6 per cent between 2010 and 2015.
There are also around 15,850 people employed in telecommunications jobs across the nation. However, the latest IBISWorld report shows that disruption to the NBN rollout has been holding back such a promising jobs market.
This new agreement will go a good way to fixing this problem, while providing more opportunities for jobseekers, as well as employers hoping to reinforce their workforce through an apprenticeship program.
NBN Co-Chief Executive Bill Morrow explained to the Brisbane Times the extent at which the deal will put the nationwide project ahead of schedule.
“This agreement enables us to shave years off the rollout schedule and save billions of dollars at the same time,” he said in a December 14 report.
There will also be important reductions in the disturbance to local homeowners, Mr Morrow continued to say.
“The majority of homes across the country will no longer need to have their gardens dug up, their driveways broken apart or equipment mounted on their homes.”
By Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator.
