Federal Labor has established NBN Co Limited, to build and operate a new superfast National Broadband Network (NBN). The NBN is the biggest nation building project in Australia's history. NBN Co will invest up to $35.9 billion over eight years to fund the rollout and ongoing operations of the network.
The NBN will deliver affordable, high speed broadband services to all Australians, no matter where they live or work. The National Broadband Network will extend optical fibre to 93 per cent of premises, with speeds of 100 megabits per second – 100 times faster than many people experience today - and up to a gigabit per second. Other communities will be served by next generation wireless and satellite technologies, with average data rates more than 20 times higher than most users of these technologies experience today.
Extending Fibre Coverage
The Gillard Labor Government has extended NBN Co’s fibre coverage objective from 90 per cent to 93 per cent of premises by the end of the rollout. This is based on the recommendations of the NBN Implementation Study.
This means around 300,000 extra existing premises, will receive optical fibre broadband – which is particularly good news for rural and regional Australia.
The Gillard Labor Government today released network maps indicating the planned extension of optical fibre to 93 per cent of premises in over 1,000 cities and towns across Australia, and how other communities will be served by next generation wireless and satellite technologies under the National Broadband Network (NBN).
The NBN Implementation Study indicated that the extension of NBN Co’s fibre coverage objective can be accommodated within the recommended funding requirement which is provided for in the Budget.
Next Generation Wireless and Satellite Technologies
The Government is also announcing that NBN Co will be responsible for delivering the wireless and satellite components of the network.
Next generation wireless services to 4 per cent of premises and satellite services to 3 per cent will deliver speeds of 12 megabits per second – with average data rates more than 20 times higher than most users of these technologies experience today.
Policy Progress Update
In December 2010, the NBNCo released the NBNCo Business Case, NBNCo Products and Pricing Information as well as detailed progress update. The NBNCo Business Case outlined that cost of the NBN would be less than original forecast. More information is available on the NBN Progress Update page.
2010 Election Document
Please note figures in this Face Sheet were prior to the release of the NBN Business Case.
National Broadband Network - Fact Sheet