After much anticipation, the National Broadband Network (NBN) has had its first user connected through Internet service provider (ISP), Internode.
IT technician, Robert Pettman, from Midway Point – one of the first three NBN trial sites in Tasmania -- had his fibre modem connected as of approximately 5pm on Thursday, after applying for the plan at the beginning of June.
Speaking to Computerworld Australia, Pettman described his new plan – the NBNP1-Mid-60 – which runs at 50 megabits per second (Mbps), as ‘awesome’ and very speedy in comparison to his previous 1.5Mbps Internode ADSL1 plan.
“The best thing about this plan is that we’re actually saving money on our previous plan which was $49 for 50GB plus around $22 for Telstra line rental compared to this one which is $59.95 for 60GB without the line rental,” Pettman said.
“I’ve done speed tests and have seen a few peaks of 80 megabits per second, although it mostly hovers around 50Mbps, which is what I ordered.”
Pettman said he has noticed an overall improvement on the speed of the new plan.
High resolution photographs, which previously took 25 seconds to load are now loading instantly, while multiple users can now use the connection simultaneously, even streaming video content without slowing it down.
“In future, I’m really interested in what will happen with IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) services. I have a media centre that records free-to-air TV, so I’m quite excited to see what will happen in that space. Also, I’m planning to buy a home theatre system with an Internet connectivity setting, so I can watch YouTube movies on TV,” Pettman said.
Internode is one of four ISPs contracted by the NBN Co to supply fibre services for the Tasmanian trail, including Primus, iiNet and most recently, Exetel.