Broadband internet is now available in most regional areas on the Telstra Next G
network. Improved mobile phone reception is also achievable with an external antenna In Windellama many people are now enjoying a fast broadband internet connection using the normal Telstra broadband modems, with the edition of an external
directional aerial.

The best antenna for getting a signal that I have found is a small and portable 14.2 dBi gain Bi-quad antenna. (Pictured Below)

This antenna has a far wider range of functionality that your standard directional antenna. Firstly it can gain a signal in places where traditional YAGI directional antennas cannot. This is mainly owing to its wider beamwidth (it can gather in a signal up to about 60 degrees) The antenna is also truly portable. You can either permanently mount the antenna in the traditional manner or it can be taken with you. The antenna is perfect for increasing your mobile phone signal, but even better at achieving a fast broadband connection.

These antennas can be either mounted on a mast, low mounted on the side of your house or even just sat on the kitchen table. They work very well and can increase the signal to both your computer for the internet or your mobile phone.

For further information on these antennas you can contact me (Dave)on 4844 5174 or [Click Here] to contact me via the website contact form. For further detailed information and images you can visit the website www.BroadbandAntennas.com.au.

There is a magnetic base produced locally in Windellama that is available so that the aerial can go with you, (we use them in the Fire Brigade to get a mobile and data signal in some of the more remote areas in Windellama & surrounds.) You can also run a splitter off a single antenna. This means that you can achieve reception & run 2 mobile phones from the one aerial. If your telephones have Bluetooth, then you can leave your phone on the table and talk hands free around your house.

If you are interested in signing up for Telstra NextG broadband, you can visit Telstra's website. These antennas will also pick up the signal from Optus, however with my testing in Windellama I have found that at this point in time Telstra Next G has the better coverage.

Garry Goodman had this to say ...
(From his location in Windellama he was previously unable to gain a signal with a standard directional YAGI antenna)

I thought that I would give you a "results" report on the antenna I purchased from you a fortnight ago. As previously advised, When arriving home I attach it to a piece of gal pipe and walked around our cabin. I pickedup signal where none was available previously.

Last weekend I took up a new mast, attached the antenna and went for a walk around our roof-top. Signal was available on about 80% of the roof-top area and I found a consistently stronger signal at one particular spot.

Anyhow, I have brought the antenna cable into our cabin and now have a telephone service that ranges up to 2 bars on strength (I have seen a couple of flashes of 3 bars) and with good call quality in both transmit and receive. "Bluetooth" enables me to have the means of picking up a call from anywhere inside or near to the cabin without trailing the phone and cable around.

So thanks Dave.

Regards,
Garry Goodman

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Ben Scott has written an an interesting and informative article about his experiences with setting up broadband and telephone from his farm at Qualigo
[Click Here to read]

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Also don’t forget to check out the Windellama Bush Fire Brigade’s new Weather &
Information website www.windellamarfs.com.au

Cheers

David Edworthy
(Windellama.com.au webmaster)