NBN Co Limited today urged residents and businesses within the Willunga and Kiama First Release Sites to sign up and prepare their properties for high speed broadband as construction of the National Broadband Network starts.

NBN Chief Executive Officer Mike Quigley urged people to sign the consent forms by the due date of August 31, 2010 to receive a free standard optical fibre installation from the street to their premises

"We do not want anyone within the First Release Sites to miss out on the opportunity to take their first step into a high speed future," Mr Quigley said.

"Residents in the First Release Site can expect a letter from me within the next week in their mailbox and an accompanying consent form," he said.

"When the network goes live people with the installed fibre optic cable will be able to choose a service from retail service providers and connect their premises to the National Broadband Network.

"By signing this consent form you don't have to cancel your existing phone or internet service. It simply gives you a chance to prepare your premises for the opportunity to be part of the NBN at a time of your choosing once the network goes live," Mr Quigley said.

"An installation fee may apply if we do not receive the relevant consent forms by August 31, 2010 so take advantage of this offer while it is available."

The free standard installation involves running a thin fibre optic cable from the street to the premises.

The method and timing of construction will be determined by NBN Co. If a standard installation cannot be physically undertaken or an owner requires a different configuration a fee may apply.

Once the network is live, retail service providers are expected to offer packages to residents and businesses. Once a customer chooses to connect, the RSP will provide a quote to complete the necessary connection such as internal wiring and manage the ongoing service.

The National Broadband Network project aims to enable speeds of up to 100 Megabits per second to 93 per cent of Australian premises and up to 12 Megabits per second to the remaining seven per cent.

Speeds customers actually achieve will of course be dependent on factors such as the services they choose from their retail service providers, their equipment and premises connections.

Construction of the network is due to commence shortly in Willunga and Kiama and three other locations on the mainland. In 2011, construction is scheduled to commence at a further 19 sites across Australia.

Residents living in the adjoining Seaford/McLaren Vale area - who may be part of the 19 new or Second Release Sites - are not required to provide their consent at this time.

Consent letters are also available for download at nbnco.com.au or by ringing 1800 881 816.

People can also request a copy of the consent letter by emailing connectme@nbnco.com.au

MEDIA INQUIRIES:

Jane Sullivan
0457 509 118
Peter Randall
0420 948 629

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