The rollout of the National Broadband Network is well under way in Western Australia, with construction to have commenced or be completed for around 60,000 homes and businesses across the state by the middle of next year.
Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Senator Penny Wong, today visited the Applecross region to observe the NBN fibre network rollout at Mount Pleasant.
The NBN will benefit all sectors of our economy; linking workers with jobs and school students with teachers on opposite sides of the country, Senator Wong said.
Through the NBN, local residents in Mount Pleasant will be able to access faster and more reliable broadband in their homes, businesses and schools.
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, said that by mid-2015, fibre construction will have started, or be completed, to more than 429,000 premises across 70 locations in Western Australia.
"By June next year, construction will have commenced or have been completed for around 60,000 homes and businesses across Western Australia. This includes parts of Applecross, Geraldton, Mandurah, Meadow Springs, Pinjarra, Victoria Park and South Perth," Senator Conroy said.
Residents may already have seen NBN activity in the streets, such as rodding and roping work. This is an important part of the planning and design process, ensuring that the fibre rollout is as smooth as possible.
The NBN fixed wireless service is now also available in parts of Geraldton, with the entire fixed wireless and satellite networks expected to completed nationally in 2015.
The NBN will give Western Australians access to faster, more reliable broadband at affordable prices, with services starting at around $30 per month.
NBN fibre services are currently scheduled to be available in parts of Applecross from the first half of 2013.