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Western Australia is the site of one the largest mining construction boom's in the globe, and the region has already attracted a great number of experienced mining workers looking to succeed down-under, and share in the growth of the country's resource sector. But with any economic boom, there comes a challenge. Many of the mining sites are locate in remote areas far from the usual urban communities or even rural settlements. The far-flung locations of the mining site can be tough on miners, and costly for the mining companies. Usually, employers apply the Fly-in and Fly-out scheme. In such remote regions, many miners would rather choose this scheme rather than relocate to such remote working sites. But being away from home also present emotional challenges to the employee. In the FIFO scheme, workers are flown-in to the mining site for a certain period of time, and flown-out for rest. Although an alternative to relocation, this type of employment method has negative effects on both employees and employers. Miners suffer from the constant air travel in short periods of time, and the families affected are often put under tremendous amounts of stress. Mining companies shoulder the airfare adding to extra operational costs. In recent months, Australian mining companies have been looking for technologies to help miners stay put in the mining sites for longer periods of time, and at least limit the cost of FIFO schemes. VSAT satellite dishes seem to be the most viable alternative to the FIFO scheme. These satellite dishes are now bringing high-speed, cost-effective connectivity to remote regions. Thanks to VSAT, mining companies now have the communications infrastructure that can support entertainment systems and digital recreational facilities in mining sites. This include satellite internet, Foxtel, FTA television, as wall as radio communications. The proliferation of mobile devices means that even miners expect in such remote regions, they can access digital and online technologies with ease. Satellite communications are now capable of meeting such expectations. Mining sites are no longer just inaccessible work locations facing harsh conditions. They are now slowly beings transformed to high-tech villages, which is increasingly important in Australia's mining construction boom.
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satellite internet, mining, satellite communications, australia,
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