The Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, today welcomed the roll out of the first National Broadband Network fibre in Ballarat, meaning locals will be able to start connecting to the NBN’s affordable, fast, and reliable broadband in the next few months.
“The National Broadband Network is here and it’s happening now. Work has commenced in Ballarat and the surrounding suburbs to connect more than 15,500 homes and businesses to the NBN’s fibre network.
“People living in these areas will be able to start connecting to the NBN from August, so here in Ballarat we’ll be among the first people in the country to access the NBN’s super-fast broadband, bringing benefits for education, healthcare and local businesses.
“As well as Ballarat, construction has also commenced in Bakery Hill, Ballarat Central, Ballarat East, Ballarat North, Black Hill, Brown Hill, Eureka, Lake Wendouree, Nerrina, Newington, Redan and Soldiers Hill – and people in all these areas will be able to connect later this year.
“It’s exciting to see the NBN rolling out here in our local streets, not just for local families, but also for surrounding schools which may be able to use technologies like this in the near future.
“The ability to send and receive big files almost instantly means businesses that previously had to base themselves in capital cities can set up anywhere, which means opportunities and jobs for the people in Ballarat and the surrounding areas.
“High-definition videoconferencing means that kids may be able to take classes that their local school doesn’t offer, and people will be able to consult with medical specialists from around the country, without travelling long distances.
“The NBN is also affordable. Plans are available right now from just $29.95 a month with no additional line rental – for a vastly superior and more reliable service.”
“Under the Coalition’s broadband plan, residents and businesses would have to pay up to $5000 for this technology. Under Labor, connecting to the NBN is free.
Across Victoria, NBN fibre construction has already commenced for almost 109,000 homes and businesses. By June 2015, construction will have commenced or been completed for 691,600 homes and businesses in Victoria.
For more information about the NBN rollout visit www.nbnco.com.au/rollout