AROUND 2,400 premises in Leichhardt are a step closer to getting access to the National Broadband Network, with build preparation work now underway.
“In the next few weeks, people will be able to see work starting in local streets as the pre-construction activity begins, such as the clearing of Telstra’s pits and ducts,” said Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch.
“The suburbs included in the list of build preparations sites released today include Manunda and Cairns North.
“The NBN Co will update its online maps in coming months to let residents know when physical construction of the network has begun, and when the network will be ready for service.
“Unlike the previous government’s maps, which were purely wishful thinking in most cases, our maps will accurately reflect what is actually happening on the ground.”
The online maps are available at: www.nbnco.com.au/maps
Mr 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 Cairns residents is clear superfast broadband is on its way,” Mr Entsch said. “I’ll certainly keep advocating in every way I can to continue to expedite the roll-out in our region.”
Since the election, the NBN has increased the reach of its fibre network by 73 per cent, now passing around 452,000 premises nationwide.
Total connections to the NBN’s various networks, including fixed wireless network and interim satellite service, have more than doubled, with around 191,000 premises now receiving NBN services.
Across the country, build preparation on the brownfields fibre network has now begun on around 167,000 homes and businesses and construction has started on an additional 280,000 premises.
In Leichhardt, the NBN’s fibre network has passed 7,533 premises in brownfields (or built-up) suburbs, with construction underway in areas covering an additional 4,900 premises. Construction on the fixed wireless network is underway in areas covering 573 premises.
Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the release of new sites for build preparation 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.