An Australian ISP is offering 100Mbps high-speed broadband services over 5.8-GHz microwave links, pitting itself in competition with the state-owned National Broadband Network (NBN).
Lightning Broadband is offeringfiber connectivity in parts of Melbourne and plans to guide its roll out plans based on demand. Potential customers are able to register for interest on the website.
The ISP is offering 100Mbps symmetrical plans with unlimited data for A$120 ($90) per month on a 24-month contract. The NBN's 100Mbps downlink plans offer only 25Mbps uplink.
Lightning Broadband is also offering 25Mbps, 50Mbps and 75Mbps plans, starting from A$75.
For business customers, Lighting Broadband will offer dedicated 1000Mbps symmetrical microwave links that will not share equipment with other users.
Founder Jeremy Rich toldFairfax Media that the company believes that many Australians are sick of waiting for the NBN to arrive in their area, and are interested in adopting high-speed broadband today.
The NBN's ambitious rollout plans have been delayed repeatedly since the project was announced.
The project has also been scaled back under the recently re-elected government - the NBN was originally intended to deliver FTTH providing wholesale speeds of up to 100Mbps to 93% of the population, but has since been redesigned to use a mix of access technologies, including FTTN, HFC and fixed wireless.