National Broadband Network (NBN) Rollout
NBN Co
In April 2009 The Federal Government set up the company, NBN Co, to design, build and operate the National Broadband Network.
First release sites
In March 2010 NBN Co announced the five “first release” sites where it would roll out the high-speed broadband network as part of live trials of its network design and construction methods on mainland Australia. Two of these sites were in NSW.
These were:
- the coastal communities of Minnamurra and Kiama Downs, south of Wollongong (around 2,600 premises). Construction work began in the second half of 2010 and the NBN went live in the area in late July 2011.
- an area of west Armidale, including the University of New England (around 2,900 premises). Construction work began in the second half of 2010 and the NBN went live in the area in mid May 2011.
Second release sites
In July 2010 NBN Co announced 19 locations for the next stage of its rollout on the mainland. These second release sites comprise 14 new locations and five sites adjacent to the existing first release sites. In NSW the first release sites that will be expanded are Minnamurra/Kiama Downs (Kiama) and Armidale.
There are two new sites in NSW: Riverstone (western Sydney) and Coffs Harbour.
The rollout at the second release sites is scheduled to start between September and November 2011.
NBN Co released its 12 month roll out plan in late October 2011. The plan names 28 new locations (15 of these sites in NSW) as part of the national rollout where construction of the fibre optic network is expected to commence over the next 12 months.
For more information about the NBN Rollout visit NBN Co
