Part of the fixed line area of the National Broadband Network (NBN) goes live this week making superfast broadband available to more than 2700 homes and businesses, meaning those in the northern part of the town can begin ordering their NBN service from a retail service provider this week.

Remaining premises will be connected in early January 2017.

“This is great news for those residents and small business operators of Young who can now take full advantage of the opportunities available in Australia’s new high-speed broadband era,” Mr McCormack said.

“The Coalition Government’s NBN will boost productivity and provide a platform for innovation to ensure the economic and social benefits of the internet are available to everyone regardless of whether they live in the city or the bush,” Mr McCormack said.

Young will be connected to the NBN using fibre to the node (FTTN) technology. FTTN offers average wholesale broadband speeds of around 70 megabits per second (Mbps), with many premises able to access speeds of up to 100 Mbps. The NBN will ensure that at least 90 per cent of the fixed-line footprint will have access to wholesale download speeds of 50 Mbps. Homes and businesses outside the township of Young will be connected to the NBN using fixed wireless technology.

“Given that under the Coalition Government’s broadband policy, NBN has shaved years off construction time which will see the NBN connected to 3 out of every 4 homes and businesses in Australia in 2018. I encourage everyone in the Riverina and Central West to research what options are available to them in their area and consider signing up to this next generation technology to take advantage of all its benefits,” Mr McCormack said. 

It typically takes a couple of weeks to connect to the NBN after placing an order and new in-home equipment will be required that is compatible with the faster NBN service. More information on the NBN is available at www.nbnco.com.au or by calling 1800 687 626.