The first homes and businesses in Dapto can now connect to the National Broadband Network (NBN).

More than 2,300 Dapto homes and businesses in and around the areas boarded by Princes Motorway and Mullet Creek (shown in map) now have access to the NBN, with around 1,400 premises able to order a service today. The rollout is set to extend to a further 4,700 premises in the coming months, with construction continuing in the region.

This continues the momentum of the NBN rollout in the area, with more than 2,800 residents in the area already experiencing the benefits of fast broadband following the switch-on of fixed line services in Kiama in 2011.

“This is an historic moment for Dapto. With the activation of optical fibre services in the area, we have achieved world class status in terms of our broadband infrastructure, something we have worked for and advocated over many years,” Lord Mayor, Councillor Gordon Bradbery OAM said.

“This is a huge advantage for our community and businesses, not just for now, but for many years into the future. It’s going to change the way we live and the way we work in so many ways,” he said.

While making today’s announcement, NBN Co also urged local residents to sign up before existing landline phone, ADSL internet and Telstra cable internet services are switched off in the area.

For Dapto residents living or working in the area (shown in the map below), the 18 month countdown started on 20 January, 2014. Other areas across the Illawarra region will have different disconnection dates depending on when the NBN becomes available in each area.

In July 2015, NBN’s new infrastructure is scheduled to replace these existing services.

Residents who want to continue to use their landline phone, ADSL internet and/or Telstra cable internet services will need to make the switch because these services will be replaced in parts of Dapto with services provided over NBN fibre optic cable.*

“Today’s announcement means Dapto is the next area across the country leading the way when it comes to fast broadband, with more than 9,000 homes and businesses in the Illawarra region now able to connect via a fixed line service,” NBN Co spokesperson Michael Tyler said today.

“It’s important that residents make the switch if they’re currently using a landline phone, ADSL internet and/or Telstra cable internet services, as these services will no longer work after July 2015.

“This includes special equipment, such as medical and security alarms which are connected to the home phone.

“Even residents who don’t use the internet will still need to switch to the NBN if they want to keep using their home phone.

“With the countdown ticking, now is the perfect time for Dapto families and businesses to switch over to the NBN.

“The feedback from people who’ve already made the switch is that they enjoy having all the family online at once, making high-quality video calls with fewer drop outs, downloading movies in minutes and streaming TV.”**

“All you need to do is simply call your preferred phone or internet company to choose from a great range of competitively-priced packages over the NBN,” Mr Tyler said.

A list of service providers can be found at: www.nbnco.com.au/serviceproviders

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Luke Rix

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Notes to editors

• NBN Co in line with the Government’s interim Statement of Expectations is currently conducting a Strategic Review. The Review will determine how best to provide access to very fast broadband to all Australians as soon, cost-effectively and affordably as possible.
• As part of the Statement of Expectations NBN Co is also working to transition information on the NBN rollout. This process included the revision of the rollout maps on the NBN Co website. The new maps are an accurate picture of the state of the rollout as it stands today. The maps will be updated as the shape of rollout becomes clearer following the completion of the Review.
• People who can order a service and want to make the switch to the NBN should search ‘getting connected’ on the nbnco.com.au website.
• Areas within suburbs will have different switch off dates depending on when the NBN becomes available.
• Home and business owners who will have their landline phone, ADSL internet and Telstra cable internet services disconnected will receive letters from NBN Co with details about how to switch to the NBN.
• Homes and businesses that have an existing medical or security alarm systems should contact their alarm provider and phone company to enquire about their current system and how it will work on the NBN.
• NBN Co has committed to finding a solution to connect complex premises, such as office and apartment blocks. A trial will commence in early 2014.
• For more information please visit www.nbnco.com.au.  

 

* Services not replaced by the NBN include TransACT, OptiComm, some Telstra Velocity services and others. For a full list please visit www.nbnco.com.au/switchoff or call us on 1800 687 626. Optus cable internet services may also be switched off on a different date and existing customers will be advised separately.  

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