Four thousand connected to National Broadband Network by end of last year

Official figures have been released by the company heading up the National Broadband Network, NBN Co, showing that by the end of last year there were around four thousand connections to the National Broadband Network.

Last year saw some major milestones being achieved with regards to the rollout of the long awaited and somewhat controversial National Broadband Network in Australia. Throughout the process the government has been very vocal about the benefits of the NBN and many have already joined the NBN revolution.

Official figures have been released by the company heading up the National Broadband Network, NBN Co, showing that by the end of last year there were around four thousand connections to the National Broadband Network. Out of the four thousand that have been reported around 2315 are connected via the fibre optic service whilst the remainder are in more remote areas and are connected via the interim satellite service, launched around six months ago.

The figures are made up of both residential and business premises and the numbers are set to increase over the coming few years. Many believe that with providers set to launch various deals and plans in earnest this year, there could be a sharp rise in connections to the NBN. On top of this NBN Co is planning to switch on the first rural communities to be served with a fixed-wireless connection by the middle of this year. It is also set to announce plans to roll out the network to another three million homes over the next three years.

NBN Co’s head of product development and industry relations, Jim Hassell, said: “… the biggest challenge we face is managing the expectations of communities who want the NBN – and want it now. The key question we hear is not ‘Why do we need the NBN?’ but ‘When am I going to get it?’ A crucial task for 2012 will be to educate and inform Australians about the principles that dictate the rollout.”