NBN news
Developments in the National Broadband Network (NBN) project.
March 2013
NBN satellite launch contract signed
NBN Co has signed a contract for the launch of two next-generation satellites to deliver high-speed broadband to Australians living in rural and remote areas.
February 2013
25/5 Mbps for regional and remote Australia
On 6 February 2013, the Australian Government and NBN Co announced a speed upgrade to the NBN’s fixed wireless and satellite networks. These services will be upgraded to provide speeds of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 5 Mbps upload. This means that Australians living in regional, rural and remote areas are set to gain access to broadband speeds and capacity exceeding what people in cities typically experience on ADSL2+ today.
First NBN fibre rolled out in Penrith and Homebush
NBN Co has begun rolling out the first NBN fibre in new sites across Sydney, meaning that residents in these areas will be able to start connecting to the NBN in the next few months.
Media release: First NBN fibre rolled out in Penrith
- Media release: First NBN fibre rollout out in Homebush
NBN fixed wireless update
The NBN fixed wireless rollout is well underway, with announcements to date covering over 200 local government areas in every state and territory across Australia. Recent news follows:
- Media release: NBN fixed wireless rollout in Northern Rivers
- Media release: NBN Co announces first fixed wireless plans for South Australia
NBN switched on in parts of QLD, VIC, NSW, ACT and Tas
NBN fibre services have been switched on in sites across the country, with more communities to follow as the rollout ramps up across Australia.
- Media release: NBN switched on in Coffs Harbour
- Media release: NBN switched on in Bacchus Marsh
- Media release: NBN switched on in Hobart
- Media release: NBN switched on in ACT
- Media release: NBN switched on in Toowoomba
November 2012
Broken Hill to host NBN satellite ground station
On 15 November 2012, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, announced that Broken Hill will be one of ten sites across Australia to host a satellite ground station. The ground stations will help deliver next-generation satellite broadband services to remote communities. Construction of the ground station will create around 30 jobs for the region and will be operational in 2015.
NBN fixed wireless network rollout activity
On 8 November 2012, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, announced that planning has begun for local communities across Western Australia and Victoria to have access to the NBN fixed wireless network. Services are expected to be switched on in stages from late 2013 to 2015.
- Media release: NBN fixed wireless rollout in the Peel and South West regions
- Media release: NBN fixed wireless rollout for Bass Coast, South and East Gippsland
- Media release: NBN fixed wireless rollout in Goulburn Valley and North East Victoria
- Media release: NBN fixed wireless rollout in Bendigo, Central Victoria and Northern Victoria
- Media release: NBN fixed wireless rollout in the Great Southern and Wheatbelt regions, Goldfields-Esperance and South West Western Australia
October 2012
NBN satellite ground station contracts signed
On 25 October 2012, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, announced that NBN Co has signed contracts for the construction of ten NBN satellite ground stations. Construction of the ground stations will start early next year and be complete in 2014. The ten ground stations will create up to 300 jobs during their construction.
More NBN jobs for Queensland as Roma chosen for satellite ground station
On 16 October 2012, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, announced that Roma in Queensland will be one of the ten towns across Australia that will host an NBN satellite ground station. The construction of the ground station will create around 30 direct jobs in Roma, with building set to begin early next year.
Construction commenced for another 165,000 premises as NBN rollout ramps up
On 15 October 2012, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, announced that the NBN rollout is progressing with construction commencing for approximately 165,000 homes and businesses across Australia. NBN Co is on track to having construction commenced or completed for 758,000 homes and businesses by the end of the year.
NBN fibre roll out ramping up in Launceston
The rollout of the NBN in Tasmania is ramping up with construction now underway to 10 500 homes and businesses in Launceston and 2100 premises in Somerset and Binalong Bay. Tasmania is on track to be the first state in Australia to be fully connected to the NBN by the end of 2015.
Three NBN Satellite Ground Stations for Western Australia to create up to 90 jobs
On 1 October 2012, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy announced three new satellite ground stations to be built in Western Australia early next year, which will provide fast and reliable broadband to rural and remote Australia. Up to 90 new jobs will be created during construction of the ground stations, which are located in Moonyoonooka near Geraldton, Binduli near Kalgoorlie, and Carnarvon.
September 2012
NBN kicking goals in South Morang
On 26 September 2012, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, launched NBN fibre services in South Morang with 2300 homes and business now able to access the network. NBN Co expects that by mid-2015 construction will have commenced or be complete to over 16 000 homes and businesses in South Morang.
NBN rolling out to another 16,000 homes and businesses in northern Queensland
On 18 September 2012, the Minister for Broadband, Communication and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, announced that in about 12 months a further 16,000 homes and businesses will be able to access the NBN in northern Queensland after new NBN fibre construction maps were released by NBN Co.
NBN on track in Western Australia
More homes, businesses and schools in Western Australia are set to benefit from the NBN with construction to have commenced or be completed for around 60,000 premises by the middle of next year.
NBN fixed wireless services now available in Geraldton
On 6 September 2012, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, announced that the first NBN fixed wireless services are now available in Geraldton, providing over 350 homes and businesses with access to affordable high-speed broadband.
August 2012
NBN Co Corporate Plan 2012–15 released
On 8 August 2012 the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, and Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Senator Penny Wong, released NBN Co's Corporate Plan 2012-15, which confirms that the NBN is on track to be delivered to all Australians.
July 2012
NBN Co Network Extension Program
NBN Co has established a network extension program for a community, businesses or individual to fund an extension of the fibre or fixed wireless network to their premises. This gives Australian households, businesses and other premises the ability to choose, where possible, an alternative technology through which they can access the NBN.
Better broadband for regional and remote Australia
On 12 July 2012 the Prime Minister and Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy announced further initiatives for high-speed satellite and fixed wireless broadband for regional and remote Australia.
June 2012
NBN fixed-wireless network rollout activity
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy announced that communities across Queensland, Tasmania, New South Wales and Victoria are set to have access to the NBN fixed-wireless network by 2015. The fixed-wireless network is expected to be completed nationwide in 2015.
For a full list of these communities and more information on the fixed-wireless rollout, visit NBN Co's website.
- Media release: NBN fixed-wireless being rolled out in central west NSW
- Media release: NBN fixed-wireless being rolled out in Moree Plains
- Media release: NBN fixed-wireless being rolled out in south-west Queensland
- Media release: NBN fixed-wireless being rolled out in Far North Queensland
- Media release: Thousands more Tasmanians to get NBN from 2013
- Media release: More NBN fixed-wireless being rollout out in northern NSW, the Hunter and Darling Downs
- Media release: Fast, affordable and reliable broadband coming to the North and mid-North coasts of NSW
May 2012
NBN to reach remote schools, health clinics and local government facilities via satellite
On 24 May 2012, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy announced an extension in eligibility for the Interim Satellite Service (ISS). By extending the eligibility remote schools, health clinics and local government facilities can now connect to the NBN through the ISS.
April 2012
Response to the second report of the Joint Committee on the National Broadband Network
The Australian Government released its response to the second report of the Joint Committee on the National Broadband Network, Review of the Rollout of the National Broadband Network on 16 April 2012.
March 2012
NBN fibre rollout ramps up to over 3.5 million homes, businesses, schools and hospitals
More than 3.5 million homes, businesses, schools and hospitals will gain access to the National Broadband Network fibre services under NBN Co's first three-year rollout plan. The indicative plan lists locations where NBN fibre services are available, where construction has started and where work will begin between 1 April 2012 and 30 June 2015.
Definitive Agreements between NBN Co and Telstra come into force
On 7 March 2012, the government announced that the Definitive Agreements between NBN Co and Telstra had been finalised and came into force. The announcement followed the acceptance of Telstra's Structural Separation Undertaking (SSU) by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), which occurred on 28 February 2012.
- Media release: Definitive Agreements between NBN Co and Telstra come into force
- Media release: ACCC accepts Telstra's structural separation undertaking
February 2012
ACCC final approval for structural separation of Telstra
On 28 February 2012 the ACCC granted final approval for the structural separation of Telstra, allowing telecommunications providers to compete on a level playing field.
Satellites to deliver high-speed broadband to the regions
On 8 February 2012 the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy welcomed the signing by NBN Co of a new contract for the next step in the delivery of high-speed broadband to regional and remote Australia.
December 2011
Amendments to bills facilitate NBN rollout
On 16 December 2011 amendments to the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 1997 and the Telecommunications Regulations 2001 that will facilitate the rollout of the NBN and other next-generation broadband infrastructure came into effect.
- Telecommunications Amendment Regulations (No 1) 2011
- Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 1997 (Amendment No.1 of 2011)
NBN Co SAU lodged to provide long term certainty
On 5 December 2011, NBN Co lodged a special access undertaking (SAU) with the ACCC. If approved by the ACCC, the SAU will provide access seekers with long term certainty on the terms and conditions of access to the NBN, as well as providing NBN Co with long-term certainty about its operation and the recovery of its costs.
November 2011
NBN Co's WBA provides for commercial supply of services on the NBN
On 30 November 2011, NBN Co published its Wholesale Broadband Agreement (WBA), a Standard Form of Access Agreement under Part XIC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. The WBA sets out the products and detailed terms and conditions, including price, for NBN Co's commercial supply of services. The initial term of the WBA is 12 months.
NBN construction agreements signed for SA and NT
On 14 November 2011 the minister and NBN Co signed agreements with contractors for the rollout of the NBN in South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Universal Service Policy in NBN environment
On 2 November 2011 the minister introduced a package of reforms to the Universal Service Obligation (USO) and other telecommunications safeguards into parliament.
October 2011
NBN 12-month national fibre rollout schedule
On 18 October 2011 NBN Co released its first 12-month national fibre rollout schedule. The schedule lists 49 communities, covering more than 485 000 premises where construction will start before September 2012.
NBN Co Annual Report 2010–11 released
On 13 October 2011 the NBN Co Limited Annual Report 2010–11 was tabled in parliament.
NBN Co Statement of Corporate Intent 2011–13
On 11 October 2011 NBN Co released its Statement of Corporate Intent. The statement details how NBN Co will meet its objective to provide access to high-speed broadband to all Australian premises, as set out in the government's 20 December 2010 Statement of Expectations.
September 2011
Fibre in new developments bill
On 27 September 2011 the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Fibre Deployment) Act 2011 came into effect.
NBN goes live in Willunga, SA
On 16 September 2011 the Minister for Broadband and the Minister for Finance launched the fifth and final NBN first-release site in Willunga, South Australia.
First new housing development fibred
On 7 September 2011 the first new development in which NBN Co has provided fibre, Bunya in western Sydney, was launched.
Construction agreements signed for Vic and WA
On 6 September 2011 NBN Co signed agreements with contractors for the rollout of the NBN in Victoria and Western Australia.
NBN switched on in Townsville
On 1 September 2011 the NBN was launched in Townsville, Queensland. Townsville is the fourth site on mainland Australia to be connected to the high-speed network as part of customer trials.
August 2011
Proposed regulatory changes to facilitate the rollout
On 10 August 2011 the minister released for public comment draft amendments to the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 1997 and the Telecommunications Regulations 2001 to facilitate the NBN rollout.
NBN launched in Brunswick
On 4 August 2011, the Prime Minister and Minister for Broadband launched the NBN in Brunswick, Victoria.
NBN rolling out to second-release sites
On 3 August 2011 NBN Co announced the dates for the start of preliminary works in NBN second-release sites in New South Wales, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory.
- Media release: NBN rolling out to second-release sites
- NBN Co Limited announcement: Start dates announced for NBN second-release sites in NSW, Qld and ACT
Early fixed-wireless rollout to communities
On 3 August 2011 NBN Co announced five wireless first-release sites for the first stage of its NBN fixed-wireless rollout, with the first services to go live mid-2012.
- Media release: Early fixed-wireless rollout to communities
- NBN Co Limited announcement: First communities for National Broadband Network fixed-wireless service unveiled
July 2011
NBN launched in Kiama Downs and Minnamurra
On 29 July 2011, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy launched the NBN in Kiama Downs/Minnamurra in New South Wales.
Kiama Downs/Minnamurra is one of five first-release sites where NBN Co Limited (NBN Co) is testing network design and construction techniques ahead of the national rollout.
June 2011
Telstra's structural separation one step closer
On 24 June 2011, the minister made five key regulatory instruments which provide the framework for Telstra's structural separation.
Further information on the instruments is available at:
Government – Telstra – NBN Co deal delivers historic milestone for telecommunications
On 23 June 2011, NBN Co and Telstra announced that they had entered into Definitive Agreements on the rollout of the NBN. The Definitive Agreements translate the Financial Heads of Agreement signed in June 2010 into detailed, legally-binding agreements for review by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and shareholder approval. NBN Co also announced that it had entered into an agreement with Optus whereby Optus would decommission its HFC network and progressively migrate its customers to the NBN.
- Media release: Government – Telstra – NBN Co deal delivers historic milestone for telecommunications
- Media release: NBN rollout to benefit from agreement with Optus
- Media release: Government and Telstra agree on package of consumer measures
- Website: www.nbnco.com.au
In addition to the Telstra and NBN Co agreements announced on 23 June 2011, the government has reached an agreement with Telstra for the future provision of the Universal Service Obligation (USO) and other public interest services from 1 July 2012. Further information on this initiative is available at 
Universal Service Policy in the National Broadband Network environment.
May 2011
NBN launched in Armidale
On 18 May 2011, the Prime Minister and Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy launched the first mainland NBN services in the regional city of Armidale in northern New South Wales, which will ultimately connect over 4882 premises with a fibre connection. Armidale is one of five first-release sites where the NBN is rolling out on mainland Australia.
Interim Satellite Solution launched for rural and regional Australians
On 6 May 2011, NBN Co announced the interim satellite solution, bringing forward the introduction of enhanced satellite broadband services to those who need it most.
- Media release: Better broadband for Rural and Regional Australians
- NBN Co announcement: Remote Australians the priority for new NBN Interim Satellite Service
April 2011
NBN rollout in Tasmania: next phase
On 28 April 2011, NBN Co announced the commencement of the next phase of construction in seven communities in Tasmania including Deloraine, Kingston Beach, George Town, Sorell, South Hobart, St Helens and Triabunna, connecting over 11 100 homes and businesses.
NBN legislative framework in force
On 12 April 2011, legislation to provide the regulatory framework for the National Broadband Network (NBN) came into force.
March 2011
Perth to Geraldton fibre-optic link
On 11 March 2011, the minister announced the completion of the 449 kilometre Perth to Geraldton Regional Backbone Blackspots Program (RBBP) link. On 16 March 2011, the minister announced the completion of the 146 kilometre Victor Harbor fibre backbone link. These links form part of the Australian Government's $250 million RBBP, which is delivering 6000 kilometres of fibre backbone across regional Australia, benefiting around 400 000 people.
- Media release: Perth to Geraldton fibre optic link
- Media release: Victor Harbor fibre backbone link complete
February 2011
Greenhill Caliburn reviews NBN Co Corporate Plan
On 14 February 2011, the government released the executive summary of an independent assessment of NBN Co Limited's Corporate Plan. Greenhill Caliburn provided a commercial assessment of the plan, identifying and analysing its key assumptions and potential risks.
- Media release: Greenhill Caliburn reviews NBN Co Corporate Plan
- Greenhill Caliburn report: Review of NBN Co Limited Corporate Plan—executive summary (PDF, 64 KB)
Telstra and NBN Co agreement
On 10 February 2011, Telstra and NBN Co announced that they had finalised key commercial terms to allow for the more efficient rollout of the NBN. These pave the way for NBN Co to make use of Telstra's assets to roll out the NBN and for Telstra to decommission its copper network.
2010
Government releases NBN Co Corporate Plan
The government released NBN Co Limited's Corporate Plan on 20 December 2010, providing further detail for industry and the public on the rollout of the NBN. The government also released the Statement of Expectations that sets out the government's expectations of the company as it rolls out the NBN. The Statement comprises the government's response to the Implementation Study.
- Media release: Government releases NBN Co Corporate Plan
- Media release: NBN Rollout: Statement of Expectations
- NBN Co Limited announcement: NBN Co Corporate Plan released
Joint ministerial direction: Statement of Expectations (PDF, 6 MB)
- National Broadband Network: Progress update December 2010
- Publication: National Broadband Network: Progress update December 2010 (PDF, 816KB)
Consultation on Universal Service Policy
In 2010 the government sought comments on how the Universal Service Obligation and public interest services might transition to the NBN environment, including possible funding and institutional arrangements for delivering outcomes.
