Super-fast broadband for Toowoomba a step closer

The National Broadband Network rollout continues to gain momentum with construction crews today hauling some of the first NBN fibre optic cable in the Toowoomba area.

"The local fibre, which links an exchange on Hume Street in Toowoomba to homes and businesses around the Toowoomba city centre, was hauled today on the corner of Gentle and Stuart Streets.

"Today's construction activity shows work is underway to build the network, which will provide super-fast broadband to homes and businesses in parts of Toowoomba by early 2013," NBN Co spokesperson Darren Rudd said today.

"The fibre hauling marks another important step in the rollout of the NBN, which is picking up speed right across the country.

"Fibre construction work has already commenced on rolling out the NBN to around 100,000 homes and businesses in Queensland, including 15,640 premises across Toowoomba and surrounding areas.

"And construction is set to have commenced or be completed for around 678,600 homes and businesses across Queensland by mid-2015.

"In parts of Toowoomba we're aiming for construction to wrap up early in the New Year, which means home and business owners close to the central business district are expected to be able to contact their preferred service provider and connect to services over the NBN shortly after.

"In addition to the work underway to connect parts of the Toowoomba city centre, work is under planning or construction in the following suburbs: Mt Lofty, Harlaxton, South Toowoomba, Prince Henry Heights, Rangeville and Withcott. NBN Co is aiming for construction in those suburbs to be completed during 2013.

"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.

"The NBN is being designed to transform the way Australians communicate and keep in touch with each other, how they access education and health services, leverage e-business opportunities and immerse themselves in culture from around the world.

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

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

MEDIA INQUIRIES:

Holly Hearne
Phone: 02 8918 8408
Mobile: 0427 957 393

* 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.

** Source: NBN Co Corporate Plan dated 6 August 2012, analysis based on RSPs published pricing as at June 2012, reflecting circa ~90% of market share.

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