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Who we are

AARNet - Australia's Academic and Research Network

AARNet - our brand T-Shirt - Pioneering the Internet in Australia since 1989

AARNet is Australia's national research and education network

For more than 30 years AARNet has provided reliable telecommunications services, along with an expanding range of cyber security, data and collaboration services. Our network and services are designed to meet the specialised needs of Australia's research and education sector.

AARNet at a glance

Proudly Australian owned and operated
Pioneered the internet in Australia in 1989
Not-for profit company
Licensed telecommunications carrier
Owned by 37 universities and CSIRO
Funded through membership subscriptions
Serves more than 2 million people
Enables life-changing research and education

What sets AARNet apart?

 
AARNet not just an ISP elevated road highway overhead

Not just an ISP

Connecting with a commercial Internet Service Provider (ISP) gives you access to the internet. Connecting with AARNet gives you so much more. Such as access to reliable high-speed internet and connectivity, cyber security, data and collaboration services that are fit for the purpose of research and education.

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AARNet from local to global boat in water lillies

From local to global

We provide metropolitan, regional, national and global connectivity. AARNet owns and has access to fibre optic links across the country, through major metropolitan cities and into remote locations. We also connect the research and education sector to the rest of the world.

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AARNet made for a mission coloured natural pool

Made for a mission

Our purpose is to provide trusted transformational connectivity and collaboration services for Australian universities, CSIRO, and other organisations that champion research and education. Think research institutes, hospitals, government agencies, vocational training providers, schools and cultural organisations.

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AARNet connection breeds innovation car going over bridge water

Connection breeds innovation

We provide the access and services that enable collaboration, discovery and innovation. It’s the seamless access and movement of data between researchers, instruments, tools and resources that leads to life-changing discoveries. Our frictionless network also empowers teachers to use digital technologies.

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AARNet Our Network tree roots

Our network

AARNet’s advanced research network infrastructure is purpose-built for research and education. Widely regarded as the founder of the internet in Australia, we are renowned as the architect, builder and operator of world-class high-speed low-latency national and international network infrastructure.

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AARNet history - workers laying cable

History

Australia’s academic and research network was established in 1989 by a group of Australian universities. Our trailblazing tale from pioneers of the internet through the rollout of AARNet’s many iterations, continues today with our ongoing exploration of digital technologies for advancing research and education.

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How we work

Learn about our governance structure and the strategy that guides our activities.

  1. Go to Governance
  2. Go to Strategy

Our Values

One Team

Everyone counts and is accountable

Creativity

Strive to innovate - it's in our DNA

Trust

Communication is open and transparent.

Stories from In The Field

From remote telescopes to coral reefs, classrooms to particle colliders — In The Field uncovers the surprising ways AARNet and our global research and education network partners connect people and ideas that change the world.

Visit In The Field
In The Field Stories