Vodafone trials plug-and-play connectivity for regional Australia
New solution will deliver 4G mobile voice and data, and IoT coverage
Vodafone has given farmers a look into a connected future with the successful trial of a self-install mobile coverage solution – the Vodafone Regional Coverage Hub.
The plug-and-play device delivers 4G voice and data services in locations where commercial networks are not traditionally deployed, or where coverage is patchy or unavailable.
It also provides Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, giving farmers the opportunity to evolve and automate their processes via agriculture and farming IoT solutions.
The six week trial took place near Ballarat Victoria using two Hub devices. The devices delivered 4G coverage across more than eight square kilometres of a potato farm owned by local farmer, Scott Dimond.
“For as long as I can remember there has never been any choice out here for mobile providers. If coverage is bad or the cost is too much, there’s really no other option – you have to make it work,” he said.
“Having the option to look at more than one telco is an exciting prospect and the Hub has made it more realistic than it’s ever been before.
“It was really quick and easily to get up and running and I don’t doubt farmers everywhere will be excited to learn that Vodafone’s trial was successful and solutions to problems are on the way,” said Mr Dimond.
The device can be quickly and easily installed on a roof or exterior wall of a property by simply plugging it into a power source and connecting to an existing broadband internet connection. It is approximately twice the size of a standard modem, measuring 30cm long, 25cm high and 10 cm wide.
Vodafone’s Chief Technology Officer Kevin Millroy said the successful trial is a demonstration of Vodafone’s commitment to bring choice and competition to regional and rural Australia.
“Farmers face a particularly big challenge without reliable mobile coverage across their properties. The ability to make a call and access emails while working, let alone the opportunity to adopt new services and applications, just isn’t there without reliable coverage.”
“Providing a self-install solution removes the dependency that regional communities and farmers have on mobile operators. It gives them the power to get mobile coverage quickly and easily, without needing to wait for a mobile tower to be built or existing infrastructure to be made available for co-location near their property.”
“We are thrilled to announce the successful trial of our Regional Coverage Hub. Vodafone is committed to delivering more choice for Australians living and working in regional areas, and the positive results of the trial are a huge step forward to continuing our commitment.”
Vodafone’s Regional Coverage Hub is expected to be delivered during the second half of 2019.
Notes to editors
The Regional Coverage Hub has been created by Nokia and operates via a fixed broadband connection.
The Hub provides 4G voice & data and IoT connectivity through NB-IoT.
The Hub was trialled using a connection to nbn™’s Fixed Wireless service, which provided a link between Vodafone’s mobile network signals and the Hub device.
Vodafone is exploring opportunities to use the connection to nbn™’s satellite service to expand the Regional Connectivity Hub’s capability to more remote parts of Australia.
Vodafone’s interactive regional mobile investment map includes the locations and timings of the sites being built in regional areas.
To find out where we have 4G, see vodafone.com.au/coverage. 4G is available in selected areas in Australia with a compatible 4G device.
