NBN Co lists starting dates for new sites
The National Broadband Network Company (NBN Co) is starting construction on its second wave of mainland sites this month, located in two states and one territory, according to the company.
Preliminary site works will begin in Armidale and Coffs Harbour this month, with blocks of around 3000 houses either adjacent to first release sites or in completely new areas being added to the network. Other sites will follow.
The sites being announced are all in New South Wales, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory due to a construction deal that NBN Co recently signed with Silcar.
Negotiations are progressing to select construction companies to do work in the other states and territory, according to NBN Co. The complete list of second release sites, including areas other than New South Wales, Queensland and the ACT, was announced in July.
The starting dates of preliminary work on second release sites are as follows:
- Coffs Harbour, NSW — August 2011
- Armidale, NSW — August 2011
- Townsville, Qld — September 2011
- Kiama township and Jamberoo, NSW — September 2011
- Toowoomba, Qld — October 2011
- Gungahlin, ACT — October 2011
- Riverstone, NSW — November 2011
- Goodna/Springfield Lakes, Qld — November 2011
- Aspley, Brisbane metropolitan area, Qld — December 2011
NBN Co estimated that it will take 12 months from preliminary works to the activation of the first services for the sites.
"The signing of the definitive agreement with Telstra — though yet to be approved by shareholders — together with the finalisation of the construction contract with Silcar, has allowed us to finalise the proposed schedule for the next round of construction in mainland Australia," NBN Co CEO Mike Quigley said in a statement.
"The use of Telstra's infrastructure, where it is available, should reduce the amount of disruption for the community and provide a smoother and more efficient roll-out. It was for this reason that we waited to start this next phase of construction."