Mr Geoff Lyons MP
Federal Member for Bass

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 fibre roll out ramping up in Launceston

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, and the Federal Member for Bass, Geoff Lyons MP, today inspected construction on the National Broadband Network in Launceston, where the NBN roll out is ramping up.

“Construction has now commenced for 10,500 homes and businesses in Launceston, as well as for another 2,100 premises in Somerset and Binalong Bay,” Senator Conroy said.

“This work is another sign that the NBN rollout is ramping up across the state, with Tasmania set to be the first state in Australia to be fully connected to the NBN by the end of 2015.”

“Across northern Tasmania, NBN fibre services are already available to 8,625 premises in Deloraine, George Town, St Helens, Scottsdale and Smithton.

“Tasmanians are embracing the NBN. The take up rate for people signing up to the NBN in sites active for more than 12 months is 18 per cent, well above NBN Co’s forecast take up rate of 11 per cent.”

“People living in Tasmania are among the first in the nation to have access to the faster, improved broadband that the NBN offers, with all the advantages of being first, particularly for small businesses,” Mr Lyons said.

“In Launceston, and around Tasmania, our education, businesses and health sectors are set to benefit dramatically from the NBN.

“High-definition video conferencing means children may be able to take classes their local school doesn’t offer, and people will be able to consult with a specialist doctor from anywhere in Tasmania, or around the country, without travelling long distances.

“The ability to send and receive big files almost instantly means businesses that previously needed to be located in capital cities could set up anywhere – and that means opportunities for Tasmania, and jobs for Tasmanians.

“The NBN will give Tasmanians access to faster, more reliable broadband at affordable prices, with services starting from around $35 a month.”

For more information about the NBN rollout in Tasmania visit: www.nbnco.com.au/rollout

Date: 4 October 2012
Contact: Adam Sims (Senator Conroy) 0408 258 457
Jess Bowley (Geoff Lyons MP) (03) 6334 7033