Media Release

Stage two of the NBN rollout begins in Tasmania

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today welcomed the commencement of construction of the second stage of the National Broadband Network in Sorell, Tasmania.

Senator Conroy said Sorell was the first of the seven Tasmanian stage two communities to begin construction, which together will provide access to high-speed broadband to more than 11,000 homes and businesses in Tasmania upon completion.

The Gillard Government is getting on with the job of delivering enhanced broadband services to Tasmania, which has traditionally had the lowest proportion of households with broadband access," Senator Conroy said.

The other stage two communities of Triabunna, Kingston Beach, Deloraine, St Helens, George Town and South Hobart will see construction commence shortly, with services expected to be available progressively from March 2012 as work in the different locations is completed."

The commencement of construction in the stage two communities follows the launch of commercial services in Tasmania in July 2010 in Scottsdale, Smithton and Midway Point.

Households, businesses and schools in these communities are already experiencing the benefits of high-speed broadband and improved competition," Senator Conroy said.

Local Federal Member for Lyons, Dick Adams, welcomed the announcement of the next stage of development as critical in providing necessary infrastructure for the whole community.

By receiving the NBN now, it bridges the digital divide in our smaller communities and links us with the rest of Australia and the world in ways we could previously only dream of. The positive impact on health service delivery and educational programs is all about improving access to essential services," Dick Adams said.

The take up in the first Tasmanian sites has been above expectations and the recently announced deal between Telstra and NBN Co will allow for a cheaper, more efficient rollout of the NBN with less disruption for the community.

As NBN Co pushes ahead with the start of construction in Triabunna and Sorell, community engagement is about to start in Kingston Beach. Those interested in hearing more should get to the Kingston Beach Sailing Club between 10am and 1pm this Saturday."

Further details on the NBN in Tasmania including indicative coverage maps are available at www.nbnco.com.au

Date: 30 June 2011
Contact: Lyall Johnson 0408 258 457