NBN consults on Fibre TV in new developments

New product to transmit terrestrial TV signals over NBN fibre is designed to compete with other fibre providers for new developments

The company responsible for building the National Broadband Network, nbn, has released a briefing paper on the so-called Fibre TV concept, requesting for feedback and expression of interest.  Fibre TV would take advantage of the Radio Frequency over Glass (RFoG) standard, enabling Radio Frequency (RF) signals to be transmitted over fibre.

nbn‘s new product is seen as a response to the Federal Government’s updated Telecommunications in New Development (TIND) policy which has seen increased competition for delivering telecommunications infrastructure to new developments.  Many new developments who are serviced by other fibre providers take advantage of this technology, which enables developments access free-to-air TV with antenna-less rooftops and also potentially gain access to premium channels not otherwise transmitted over free to air TV.

Previously, nbn had removed RFoG functionality from their network when it acquired the TransACT Fibre to the Premises network around Canberra.  TransACT previously took advantage of this technology, however, as part of the transition to NBN Fibre — antennas were installed in place service.

In the briefing paper, the company outlines three main steps taken to enable Fibre TV in a new development:

Firstly, a number of TV service providers will sign an “RF Light Path Agreement” enabling them to use their RFoG equipment on the nbn network where needed. These providers will typically provide free-to-air TV services, but can also provide premium services.

New developments would then, on engaging with nbn to build out their fibre network, request the company to enable this technology in the network.  The company would install an RF converter, separate to the Fibre Network Termination Device (F-NTD), to connect to the coaxial TV cable within the home.

The development would could then engage with nbn-certified TV service providers to provide their residents with television services over fibre.

Under the proposal, nbn will only make this service available to new developments greater than 250 Multi-Dwelling Units or 500 Single-Dwelling Units in the FTTP footprint.

Feedback and expression of interest in the Fibre TV service is due back to nbn by 10th November 2015.