The Katherine to Groote network upgrade is underway. ALC had a leadership role in securing Telstra’s support of this project, as a priority. The Telstra exchanges between Katherine and Groote involves fibre optic transmission equipment upgrades.

This project will see a marked improvement in general internet speeds, improved mobile coverage and reduced mobile congestion on the island, improved mobile download speeds and general telephony availability on the island. Industry specific technology assets and planning will be required while this backhaul upgrade is fundamental to all future uses for small and large businesses.

This work not only support the community at large, but will also underpin the Winchelsea mining business, the aquaculture business, tourism, and the school on Bickerton Island.

The ALC is also in the process of implementing a private Microwave Network to connect all ALC offices and community support sites between Alyangula, Angurgu and Umbakumba. A microwave network is a high speed secure/private radio transmission network, that can be used to transmit voice, data, internet etc.between connected sites.  This network is fundamental to providing high speed data and internet connections to support business process, community support offices and programs, data storage and the ALC’s responsibilities as required by various commonwealth legislations. The implementation of this Mircowave Network is subject to the completion of the Telstra backhaul upgrade.

Additionally, the Microwave network has been extended to both Bickerton Island and Winchelsea Island to support the ALC’s community support activities and internet connections for the Winchelsea Mining production area and the boarding school on Bickerton Island.