New Connections - July 2012

NBN Co plans to launch our new Multicast feature as part of the NBN Co fibre service at the end September 2012. This feature is designed to enable you to cost effectively distribute media content by injecting content just once at each point of interconnect, that content is then replicated to potentially thousands of customers simultaneously. Multicast could be considered as part of an overall video and IPTV delivery strategy alongside the NBN Co Fibre Access Service for 'one to one' video and IPTV solutions.

Why use Multicast?

1. IPTV reach: After completion of the fibre rollout to 90% of premises, Multicast will be available to consumers in the fibre footprint, giving you a chance to offer innovative video and IPTV services.
2. Quality of service (QoS): Dedicated Multicast bandwidth per premise can enable uninterrupted, quality linear streaming - not affected by any other internet activity in the household (eg. downloads or Skype). Multicast traffic is treated as a higher priority than general internet traffic.
3. Backhaul currently viewed channels 'on demand': If a channel is not actively being watched or recorded within a Point-of-Interconnect area, it does not require backhauling to the Point Of Interconnection
4. Accurate audience measurement: Using Multicast could enable every channel change join and leave request to be captured, enabling exact audience measurement.
5. Localised advertising: As NBN Co has 121 Points-of-Interconnect throughout Australia, Multicasting different versions of a channel to each point could enable localised advertising opportunities.
6. Interactive innovation opportunities: The associated NBN Co internet service could allow innovative audience interactivity and participation opportunities via multiple devices.

NBN Co has released an updated industry information paper on the Multicast feature of the fibre access network, following extensive customer feedback and consultation. This updated information paper contains more details on the launch of the Multicast feature and a new entry-level speed tier.

We are holding two events for our service providers next month designed to provide more information about the new Multicast feature.

To register click on the appropriate link below:
Melbourne: Tuesday 14 August 2012, 8.00am - 10.00am EST
Sydney: Wednesday 15 August 2012, 1.00pm - 3.00pm EST

Alternatively, you can register to join the webcast on Wednesday 15 August 2012, 1.30pm - 3.00pm EST.

Download the Multicast feature, technical & pricing overview.

As the National Broadband Network is deployed across Australia, NBN Co is keen to ensure you and your company are equipped with the most accurate and up-to-date information about the project. To facilitate some of this knowledge transfer, NBN Co has invested in a facility known as the Discovery Centre which is fully-equipped with the different types of physical infrastructure NBN Co is deploying, along with an array of interactive demonstrations designed to bring broadband to life.

Based in Melbourne, the Discovery Centre is staffed by NBN Co employees who can provide a detailed briefing and facilitate an in-depth Q&A session for your company's executives, front-of-house, sales, network operations and other customer-facing business units.

We also extend an invitation for you to host your customers in the Discovery Centre to give your company a facility to demonstrate the network and its implications in a physical environment. All sessions are provided free of charge.

Visitors to the Discovery Centre will receive information on:

• What the NBN is
• How it works
• How to prepare for the NBN
• What the in-home equipment looks like
• Interactive examples of the type of benefits the NBN can deliver for health, education and business services.

Sessions are held at various times throughout the day and can be tailored to range in length from between 45 to 90 minutes.

Sessions can be booked via the online booking system. For group bookings of 10 or more, please email with your preferred session date, time, list of attendees, email addresses and a contact number; or for further enquiries please call 1800 881 816.

Our Demonstrations Team looks forward to providing you with information about the National Broadband Network and how it will change the way Australia connects.

Book online to visit the NBN Co Discovery Centre.

After the recent introduction of the B2B interface, a number of access seekers have completed the certification process and are now enjoying the benefits of end-to-end automation by connecting directly to the NBN Co operational IT systems.

It's not too late, you too can register your interest to complete B2B interface certification. Activities such as service qualifications, placing orders and billing can be facilitated directly rather than via the NBN Co service portal. Shortly, we will also be expanding the capability to include trouble tickets and appointment management. You will have the flexibility to decide which operational activities and product use the B2B Interface. It provides both retail and wholesale service providers with an opportunity to deliver an automated and streamlined NBN Co experience to their customers.

Please contact your NBN Co account manager for more information about B2B interface certification.

NBN Live showcases applications that could benefit from services provided over the National Broadband Network. In this month's NBN Live we look at SenseT plans to utilise the NBN rollout in Tasmania to deliver real-time sensor data to assist industry and Government to make better decisions about how we interact with our environment.

Read this month's NBN live article

Market Perspectives shares the latest trends and insights from around the world. In the July edition, we look at the research conducted by Diffraction Analysis which investigates a range of competitive and incumbent companies in Europe to benchmark Fibre to the Home/Business (FTTH/B).

Read this month's Market perspectives report.

Our July ready for service plan is now available for download. The ready for service rollout plan is released each month, covering the rollout regions that have entered design and construction within the fibre and fixed wireless footprints.

Read more about our July ready for service plan.