9000 premises switched on to the NBN

Four more areas across Australia can now switch on to the National Broadband Network (NBN), with around 9000 premises now able to sign up for NBN services.

The areas include Coffs Harbour (NSW); Toowoomba (Queensland); Hobart (Tasmania); and Gungahlin (ACT).

NBN Co has started construction in 10 new locations around Australia, including:

• Maitland, Corrimal, Dapto, Homebush, Lidcombe, Long Jetty, Penrith and Taree (NSW)
• Frankston, Footscray, Karingal, Carlton and Keysborough (Victoria)
• Ashmore, Bundamba, Mackay, Rockhampton, Toowoomba and Aspley (Queensland)
• Gawler, Stirling and Aldinga (SA)
• Northam, Victoria Park and Meadow Springs (WA)
• Claremont, Launceston and South Launceston (Tasmania)
• Civic (ACT)

The first fibre optic cable has also been hauled on the Central Coast of NSW.

Around 21,000 premises will access the NBN from this year, with construction to be completed by April 2013 in some areas, such as Gosford and Gosford West.

NBN Co has a target of passing 286,000 premises by the end of June this year and passing 2.5 million premises by June 2015.

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