5-minute read

We explore nbn™ ready towns, suburbs and cities – like Winnellie in the Northern Territory – and discover what connectivity can mean for the region and its people.

Nestled between Darwin International Airport and the natural wonders of Charles Darwin National Park, you’ll find hard-working Winnellie (Larrakia Country).

A largely industrial suburb in the Northern Territory’s capital, Winnellie started out life in 1941 as a World War II Camp to “accommodate the largest concentration of military personnel in the Top End”.

Flash-forward to today and Winnellie’s locals – including businesses like CrossFit Abode – are making the most of connectivity to help keep Darwin humming.

Connected CrossFit

The right fit

Connected to services over the nbn™ network since 2017, CrossFit Abode has increasingly introduced technology into its gym service experience.

This includes installing digital wall displays connected to a cloud-based fitness system to show leader boards, interactive videos, and workouts.

It’s also implemented a self-service check-in; an audio system connected to Spotify to control music and playlists for members; and a self-service, cloud-based Point of Sale system integrated with client accounts for easy one-touch payments.

And to enable free Wi-Fi for gym members – and their little ones using connected devices in the play area – CrossFit Abode recently upgraded to a plan based on the close to 1000/400Mbps wholesale speed tier via its phone and internet provider, in addition to upgrading the gym’s router and firewall.*

“Without nbn™, our technology integrations would have been significantly limited, reducing the value proposition to our customers,” says Cobi.*

Innovating through challenges

Crossfit Abode Darwin is a great example of the innovative approach many Darwin businesses take when challenged, says Tianee Dohnt, nbn™ Local Manager, Northern Territory.

“Operating a business in the Top End of Australia comes with its own unique trials, even without an unexpected disruption like COVID.

“Crossfit Abode used the nbn™ network and technology to maintain its business and take an entrepreneurial approach under truly difficult circumstances. Top End tough!”

To help make things a little easier on Top End businesses, Darwin was recently announced as one of 240 business nbn™ fibre zones across the country.

Part of nbn’s commitment to lifting Australia’s small and medium business capability, eligible businesses in Darwin will be able to take advantage of reduced pricing for business nbn™ Enterprise Ethernet, accessing the same premium grade services and wholesale prices as those in the centre of our biggest cities.†

* nbn is very happy with Cobi and Darren’s experiences with the nbn™ network. Of course, experiences may vary. Regardless of the retail service you purchase, the actual wholesale speeds will be less than 1000 Mbps due to equipment and network limitations. Your experience, including the speeds actually achieved over the nbn™ network depends on the nbn™ access network technology and configuration over which services are delivered to your premises, whether you are using the internet during the busy period, and some factors outside nbn’s control like equipment quality, software, broadband plan, signal reception and how your service provider designs its network. Speeds may also be impacted by the number of concurrent users on the nbn™ Fixed Wireless network, including during busy periods. Satellite end customers may also experience latency.

† nbn is a wholesaler and does not control costs charged by service providers. Customers should contact their preferred service provider to ask about their fees and charges.