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NBN rollout getting closer

As far as I know the Foster has the fibre optic cable already linked to the Telstra exchange. Now, how long it will take ISP’s (Internet Service Providers) to make the service available to businesses and residents is another matter.

I recently received an email from the Aussie Broadband Managing Director with an update to the NBN service supplied through their company. “We will commence offering NBN services in May 2012 in areas where the network is available in Victoria”. No more detail for Foster is available as yet but this sheds some light on developments. What other ISP’s are offering I’m not sure, but feel free to contact me if you have any information and I’ll post it here.

Dear Customer

I’m writing to update you on Aussie Broadband and the National Broadband Network (NBN).

You may have noticed in the media last week, NBN Co released its 3 year rollout schedule and this includes some areas in which Aussie Broadband operates.

Aussie Broadband entered into a Wholesale Broadband Agreement with NBN Co in January 2012, and we passed network interoperability testing in January also.

We will commence offering NBN services in May 2012 in areas where the network is available in Victoria.  Over the next 3 years the NBN will be rolled out in the areas we have a network presence including parts of Gippsland, Western Victoria and South Australia.  We will offer services in South Australia later in 2012.

Aussie Broadband already has a network presence at 8 of the 9 regional points of interconnect to the NBN in Victoria which means we will be able to connect very quickly to the NBN once available in each area.

What do you need to do now?
At this stage nothing.  We will notify customers well in advance of the NBN coming to your town and will detail the options available to change over.  The move to the NBN is a long term plan.

What speeds will be available?
Aussie Broadband will be offering 25 Mbit, 50 Mbit and 100 Mbit plans on the fiber service and 12 Mbit plans (the maximum) on the NBN wireless service.  Our initial NBN plans will be released in May 2012.

What if l have an Aussie WiMAX service?
Aussie Broadband is already offering NBN speeds on our WiMAX service.  At this point you will have the choice of staying on this network or moving to the NBN.

What if l have an Aussie ADSL2+ service?
Once the NBN fiber service becomes active in a town, all services will need to move to the NBN within 18 months as the phone network will be decommissioned.

What about my home phone service?
If you have a fixed phone service through Aussie Broadband or another carrier this service will also need to be transitioned to the NBN if you are in a fiber service area.

How can l find out when my area will be covered?
You can find the latest rollout information on the NBN Co website at http://www.nbnco.com.au/

Yours Sincerely,
Phillip Britt
Managing Director