investigate the feasibility of an alternative site servicing rural Cooran, adjacent an HV · MCU13/0051

serviced. This threshold, which is commercial only, informs the investment decisions
NBN Co makes with regards to the technologies on offer – it does not inform the
technical decisions relating to the quality and extent of service delivery.

This commercial threshold warranting the investment of a Fixed Wireless facility at
rural Cooran is not considered in isolation of other factors, including the need to
carefully calibrate the fixed wireless and satellite services, which are complementary
services, to ensure that the broadband is distributed to the community as effectively
and efficiently as possible.

NBN Co therefore cautions Council that it is not appropriate to consider service
provision to 120 households as the only criteria against which to assess the technical
viability of a proposed facility. NBN Co does not relocate simply on a basis of
numbers, but considers the service provision holistically, with satellite service also in
mind.

NBN Co is concerned by Council’s continued emphasis on this commercial
threshold, to the exclusion of the more subtle technical issues underpinning efficient
broadband service delivery. We are examining an alternative location, and
considering a compromise in service, as a measure of good will, after a protracted
and difficult consultation period. However, we do not believe that there are planning
grounds for Council to dictate where the service should be delivered.

We maintain that there is a real need for improved services in rural Cooran, and that
community feedback received by Council and by NBN Co bears this out. As always,
NBN Co is cognisant of the balance between visual intrusion and service provision,
and we seek to strike a fair and reasonable balance in this regard.

As above, we will be advising Council as soon as we can regarding our progress with
landowners in the alternate area.

Please contact Claire Harris on 3173 8738 or alternatively                   by   e-mail
[email protected] if you require further information.

Yours Sincerely,




James Irwin
Project Leader (Aurecon)