More than 200 households in the Couridjah area are the first in Wollondilly Shire to be able to access nbn’s fast fixed-wireless broadband service.

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said this week’s switching-on of the Couridjah nbn tower was a giant leap towards improved telecommunications for the Shire.

“It’s exciting as this is the first nbn wireless tower to be switched on in Wollondilly and it’s only just the start of a series of switch-ons planned for this year,” Mr Taylor said.

This tower is a critical link in the electorate’s nbn fixed-wireless rollout.

It will service the immediate area and will also play a key role in delivering the nbn network to thousands of other premises in villages across the Shire.

“Over the course of this year at least another 12 towers – servicing upwards of 2200 homes and businesses – are expected to get their nbn fixed-wireless signal via link from this tower,” Mr Taylor said.

“But for 213 Couridjah premises, they don’t have to wait - they’re nbn ready right now and are eligible to take up a service with their preferred retail provider.”

Mr Taylor said fixed-wireless was an excellent broadband experience, with retail providers offering competitive packages that include download speeds of up to 50mpbs.

The most popular speed tier chosen is 25/5mbps.

“The real benefit of nbn’s fixed wireless technology is that the signal is limited to a fixed number of premises. As a result, the service is faster and more reliable,” he said.

“I campaigned hard to have several towers built around Yass, Young and Cowra under the old Hume boundaries and the feedback from locals is overwhelmingly positive.”

Parts of Couridjah are also getting fixed-line nbn broadband, with switch-on due later this month. The coverage map is available from http://www.nbnco.com.au/learn-about-the-nbn/rollout-map.html

Residents are encouraged to check what technology they are able to access at http://www.nbnco.com.au/ and call their chosen service provider to order a connection.