The National Broadband Network is a new high-speed broadband network comprising three technologies – optic fibre, fixed wireless and satellite – which will provide high-speed broadband access to all Australian premises.

• Ninety three per cent of Australian homes, schools and businesses will have access to the NBN through fibre to the premises technology, capable of providing broadband speeds of up to one gigabit per second. 
• Seven per cent of premises will have access to the NBN through next-generation high-speed fixed wireless and satellite technologies, providing peak speeds of 12 megabits per second.

The NBN will be Australia’s first national wholesale-only, open access, high-speed broadband network. this means NBN Co Limited (NBN Co) – the company established by government to design, build and operate the NBN – will roll out the network and sell wholesale services to service providers (such as your internet or phone provider). In turn service providers will be able to offer retail services to consumers.

This is a significant structural change to Australia’s telecommunications industry, aimed at encouraging vibrant retail competition.