AROUND 2800 premises in Manoora, Whitfield and Edge Hill are a step closer to getting access to the National Broadband Network, with construction on the fibre-to-the-premises network now underway.
Telstra has finalised remediation of infrastructure in the area, meaning that in coming weeks, NBN Co subcontractors will be in the streets, laying out fibre to connect premises.
Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said it was an important milestone for the area, with greater certainty for homes as businesses as they prepare for superfast broadband services.
“The message for local residents is clear – superfast broadband is on its way,” Mr Entsch said.
Since the election, the NBN has more than doubled the reach of its fibre network, now passing close to 690,000 premises nationwide.
Total connections to the NBN’s various networks, including the fixed line and wireless networks and the interim satellite service, now stand at 368,000. Late last year NBN Co released a national rollout plan indicating that by mid-2016, one in every three homes and businesses across Australia will be able to connect to the NBN or have construction underway in their neighbourhoods.
Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the release of the redesigned NBN construction plan was delivering on the Government’s promise to get the rollout back on track.
“When we came into Government, one of our chief priorities has been to get this rollout done sooner, cheaper for taxpayers and more affordably for consumers,” Mr Turnbull said.
The NBN will update its online maps in coming months to inform residents when the network will be ready for service. The online maps are available at: www.nbnco.com.au/maps