The National Broadband Network is just around the corner for Inverell, with construction officially underway.
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Crews have been on the ground since January, and have been checking pits and pipes, laying fibre and installing node cabinets throughout the area to connect around 4,500 residences.
The first 1,800 premises should be ready to connect by June, with those remaining expected to be able to order an NBN broadband access network around October. Currently over 2,800 local residents and businesses can already connect to the NBN, using fixed wireless technology.
“This is terrific news for Inverell as it means the entire community will be fully connected to the NBN broadband access network once construction is complete,” NBN local manager New South Wales, Amber Dornbusch said.
“Our goal is to ensure that all Australians, including those in Inverell have access to fast and reliable broadband as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
The technology will be a mix of fibre-to-the-node (FTTN) and fibre-to-the-curb (FTTC) technology, with about 2,800 homes expected to receive FTTC. Ms Dornbusch said that several factors determine which technology is used, including geographic location, existing infrastructure, cost and time to build.
“Not only are people online now more than ever before, we’re using it to do more things such as working from home, setting up small businesses from home, studying online, shopping online and organising our lives online,” Ms Dornbusch said.
She said that as we move further into the digital age, fast broadband will become essential for business, health, education, entertainment and leisure.
“Bridging Australia’s digital divide is vital for regional areas like Inverell with the NBN broadband access network helping to enable residents and businesses to be more productive, more creative, more efficient and more connected for decades to come,” Ms Dornbusch said.
She encouraged locals to use the Check Your Address function on the NBN website to find out when the network will be available to them.
Tips for connecting to the NBN
- Making the switch to the NBN isn’t automatic. Contact your preferred retail service provider (e.g. Telstra, Optus) to order a service over network and arrange for installation.
- Visit the NBN website to find out when the network will be available in your home. If it is not yet available, register your email address and the NBN will notify you when it is.
- Once NBN’s fixed line network is ready, homes and businesses have 18 months to make the switch before most existing landline phone and internet services are replaced by services over the new network.
- NBN is a wholesaler which means they build, maintain and operate the NBN network. They do not sell directly to the public.
- Currently, more than 6.3 million homes and businesses across Australia can now order an NBN service.
- With the NBN, there will be more than one speed available in broadband packages.
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