NBN rollout steams ahead as Bargo tower switched-on
94 households around Bargo in the Wollondilly Shire will this week join the other four million premises across Australia to have access to the nbn.
Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said tomorrow’s (Friday 10 February) switching-on of the Bargo nbn fixed-wireless tower comes as the rollout accelerates across the electorate and the nation.
There are now 38,932 Hume homes and businesses with an available nbn service (as of 27 January 2017) - more than double the number since October 2016.
There were only 1729 premises in Hume to have access when the Coalition came to government in September 2013.
“The nbn rollout in Hume is past the half-way point, tens of thousands of homes and businesses now connected, which is a remarkable effort in just three years,” Mr Taylor said.
“The switching-on of the Bargo tower – the second fixed-wireless tower to go live in the Wollondilly Shire within a week – shows that we’re connecting communities to fast and reliable broadband in an affordable and efficient way.”
There are now 12,255 active nbn connections in Hume (as of 27 January 2017) compared to 5282 in October 2016.
“nbn is forecasting that by the end of September 2018 approximately 47,390 homes and business in Hume will either be ready for service or under construction,” Mr Taylor said.
“We’re on track to meet this schedule and I look forward to more communities coming online in the next few months.”
Across the nation, more than one million premises were added to nbn’s service area in the last six months.
“The biggest infrastructure project in Australia’s history is on track to reach the halfway mark this year, providing high speed broadband to millions of Australians,” Mr Taylor said.
“A third of all Australian homes and businesses now have access to the nbn, with more than four million premises across the country now able to make the connection.”
A faster rollout means more Australians will enjoy the benefits of broadband upgrades sooner and monthly internet bills will remain affordable.
More than 1.7m Australian households and businesses have active connections to the network via 100-plus retail providers offering broadband plans powered by nbn’s network.
“nbn constantly explores innovative technologies to ensure Australia is connected as soon as possible, at the least cost,” Mr Taylor said.
“The multi technology mix – fixed line, wireless and satellite - enables nbn to move swiftly through the country and increase its build and activation rates at a never before seen pace.”
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.