Media Release

Senator Catryna Bilyk
Labor Senator for Tasmania

The Hon Julie Collins MP
Federal Member for Franklin

Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Digital Productivity

NBN  a big boost for small business in Tasmania

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the  Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, and Labor  Senator for Tasmania Catryna Bilyk, have today visited Wafu Works in Kingston  Beach, Tasmania, to highlight the importance of the National Broadband Network  for small business.

Wafu Works – owned by Jan Ochi - is a small business  retailer, selling Japanese fabrics to textile artists.

“Wafu Works used to have an ADSL connection, but it  was unreliable often leaving the business without the internet for hours at a  time,” Senator Conroy said.

“Wafu Works is now accessing the fast, reliable and  affordable broadband provided by the NBN, joining more than 20,000 Australians  who are connected to the NBN.

“It is already making a big difference to the  business, with Jan able to connect more quickly with her customers and  suppliers, update her website regularly, and showcase her products in  high-definition.”

“The NBN is so reliable I am now able to spend more  time putting my focus where it should be – my customers. I am thrilled with the  service,” Ms Ochi said.

“It is great to see small businesses like Wafu Works  embracing the opportunities and possibilities provided by the NBN,” Federal  Member for Franklin, Julie Collins said.

“This is being mirrored right across Kingston Beach,  where the rate for people signing up to the NBN is almost 17 per cent after  just three and a half months.”

“The rollout of the NBN is ramping up across  Tasmania, with fibre construction commenced or completed for 27,000 homes and  businesses around Hobart,” Senator Bilyk said.

“The NBN is on track to make Tasmania the first state  in Australia to be fully connected to the NBN by the end of 2015.”

Date: 3 October 2012
Contact: Adam Sims (Senator Conroy’s Office) 0408 258  457