Super-fast broadband for the state of Western Australia is a step closer

NBN Co has installed fibre optic cable in Geraldton, Western Australia as part the fibre rollout that will eventually see the National Broadband Network (NBN) replace copper telephone lines.

The significant occasion marks the first time NBN Co fibre has been hauled in Western Australia as part of the a new customer access network. The rollout is gaining momentum right across the country, including to around 17,000 premises in parts of Geraldton.

The fibre, which will provide super-fast broadband access to homes and businesses in parts of Geraldton, was hauled at the corner of Lester and Cathedral Avenues today.

"Today's construction activity puts Geraldton residents at the forefront of the build and means that parts of the community are set to have access to super-fast broadband by as early as mid next year," NBN Co spokesperson Trent Williams said today.

"In parts of Geraldton we're aiming for construction to wrap up by mid 2013, which means homes and business are expected to be able to connect to services over the NBN shortly after.

"In addition to the work underway to connect parts of Geraldton, work is under planning or construction in the following suburbs: Beachlands, West End, Rangeway, Mount Tarcoola, Karloo, Deepdale, Utakarra, Wonthella, Beresford, Webberton, Strathalbyn, Bluff Point, Woorree and Spalding. NBN Co is aiming for construction in these suburbs to be completed throughout 2013.

"Construction is set to have commenced or be completed for around 430,000 homes and businesses across Western Australia by mid-2015.

"Access to high speed broadband can help to breakdown the tyranny of distance for Australian's living and working in the largest state. It has the potential to re-energise rural and remote communities and regional cities by allowing people to access new business markets, education options, cultural opportunities and a world of new entertainment right from their lounge rooms or offices.

"We plan to connect every home, school and workplace in Australia to the NBN within the next decade with a combination of fibre, fixed wireless and satellite technologies. Better broadband won't just change the way we work, it will have an impact on the way we spend our leisure time too," Mr Williams said.

In addition to the fibre network being constructed the NBN is also rolling out fixed wireless and interim satellite services across the state. Fixed wireless services are already available in some parts of Geraldton. The NBN Interim Satellite Service is also available. The interim satellite service is available to eligible people living in remote locations around Western Australia. To find out more about fixed wireless or the interim satellite service visit the NBN Co website - www.nbnco.com.au.

Retail prices for NBN fibre plans based on 12/1Mbps or 25/5Mbps wholesale services are comparable to existing ADSL2+ packages.*

Once a street has access to the NBN, home and business owners are able to contact their preferred telephone or internet service provider to see how they can get connected to services over the NBN.

Media enquiries:

Holly Hearne
Mobile: 0427 957 393

* Source: NBN Co Corporate Plan (published 6 August 2012), analysis based on RSPs published pricing as at June 2012, reflecting circa ~90% of market share. NBN Co is designing the NBN to be capable of delivering these speeds to NBN Co's wholesale customers (telephone and internet service providers). Speeds actually achieved by retail customers (end users) will depend on a number of factors including the quality of their equipment and in-premises connection, the broadband plans offered by their service provider and how their service provider designs its network to cater for multiple end users.

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