Fast broadband to help grow Illawarra’s ‘knowledge worker’ economy

More than 4,500 homes and businesses in parts of Wollongong and Corrimal can now connect to fast broadband via the national broadband network.

The announcement was made at an official switch-on event held in digital specialist agency Internetrix, one of the first small businesses in Wollongong to connect to a service over the NBN and was attended by local industry, community and government organisations.

NBN Co spokesperson, Darren Rudd said:

“Illawarra is now one of the most connected regions in the country with more than 18, 000 homes and businesses now able to access fast broadband via services over the NBN.”

“As local businesses continue to move away from traditional industries, access to the NBN has the potential to build a stronger ‘knowledge worker’ base and act as a key driver of productivity and economic growth.

“It’s important for local residents to know the move to services over the NBN is not automatic. We encourage everyone within the NBN footprint to contact their preferred telephone or internet service provider to get connected and start experiencing the benefits of fast broadband today.”

City of Wollongong Lord Mayor, Clr Gordon Bradbery said:

“Access to the NBN has brought the region up to speed in the digital space. With fast broadband Wollongong community members and businesses will be able to realise the full potential of a connected world.

“For Council, fast broadband is a vital piece of infrastructure that helps us achieve our community vision to become leaders in building an educated, creative and connected community – something that’s key to the future growth and prosperity of Wollongong.”

Internetrix Managing Director and Telstra customer, Daniel Rowan said:

“We have literally opened up a whole new world of communication since connecting to our Telstra NBN service. Our speeds have increased tenfold which means we are running at a more efficient rate and can send, receive and store data instantly across our offices.”*

“Our colleagues in China have immediately noticed the improvement in video conferencing as the speed and picture quality means we’re getting more out of meetings because we are no longer suffering lags or drop-outs.”*

“Now I have confidence in our new Telstra service over the NBN it’s saving the need for interstate travel to see existing and potential customers.  Next week I was planning to go to City of Greater Bendigo Council about a potential project, now with the NBN in place at Internetrix the quality and reliability in video conferencing is so good that I don't need be there in person."*

Today’s announcement continues the momentum of the NBN rollout across Illawarra with more than 18,000 homes and businesses across Wollongong, Corrimal, Dapto and Kiama now able to connect. Physical construction is also underway to expand the network to an additional 30,000 homes and businesses across the Illawarra region.

Local residents can check if their home or business is in the NBN coverage area at nbnco.com.au/maps.

Media enquiries

Talia Spink
M:0488 902 436
E:taliaspink@nbnco.com.au

NBN Co Media Hotline
P: 02 9927 4200
E: media@nbnco.com.au

Media materials

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Notes to editors

• On average it takes around 12 months from the start of construction until residents and business owners can access National Broadband Network services via phone and internet providers.
• In fixed line areas, homes and businesses will need to take the following steps to connect to the National Broadband Network:

1. Contact your preferred internet service provider or phone company:

a. If you have a medical alarm or alert (or a family member, carer or friend) you are encouraged to register your details with NBN Co’s Medical Alarm Register by calling 1800 227 300 or complete the online form at nbnco.com.au/medicalregister.

b. If you have an EFTPOS terminal, fax or alarm system, call the provider of that service (for example your bank) to ask what internet or landline phone services over the National Broadband Network will support the device.

c. If your building has an emergency lift phone and/or a fire indicator panel you are encouraged to register your details with NBN Co so these services can be identified by calling 1800 687 626.

d. Contact your preferred phone company or internet service provider and discuss your requirements.

2. Choose a plan that suits your needs.

3. Order your service over the NBN as soon as possible.

A standard installation of NBN Co equipment is currently free of charge. Residents should ask their preferred service provider if they have any other fees.  For more information visit www.nbnco.com.au

*Your experience including the speeds actually achieved over the NBN depends on the technology over which services are delivered to your premises and some factors outside our control like your equipment quality, software, broadband plans and how your service provider designs its network.

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