Internode NBN connection for Qld house in flood aftermath

Peter Dinham
Sunday, 11 December 2011 22:45

IT Industry - Market

Internode has turned on high-speed broadband services at the first house in a new subdivision in the Queensland town of Grantham, which is being rebuilt on higher ground after it was ravaged by floods in January.

Internode connected the first completed house on the new estate to the National Broadband Network, making it the first home in South East Queensland linked to the NBN. The connection of the first house in Grantham was launched by Queensland Premier Anna Bligh at an official ceremony.

According to Internode product manager Jim Kellett, working with NBNCo and FetchTV, Internode has provided the family that moves into the new house with three months of free access to high-speed broadband, NodePhone telephony and the fetchtv IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) service. Fetchtv includes a high-definition, three-tuner set-top box and personal video recorder that can access dozens of free-to-air, digital and Internet-streamed TV channels.

Kellett said the free setup and three-month access to broadband, phone and fetchtv was a small 'housewarming gift for the new residents.' 'Broadband is central to how families lead their lives today, so giving this family immediate, no-cost access to broadband and a phone service is a meaningful way we can assist them to re-establish their lives in Grantham. Also, fetchtv is a great service, so we reckon it will help their new house feel like home from day one.'

NBN Co head of rollout engagement, Archie Wilson, said it was only fitting that a national infrastructure project that will eventually benefit all Australians could be 'mobilised to help those most in need of reliable telecommunications.' Wilson said the switch-on of the NBN at Grantham will open up 'significant opportunities for residents to educate their children, operate their businesses and engage with the wider world.'