Broadband network on the way for Mindarie

CONSTRUCTION of the National Broadband Network has started for about 2600 properties in Mindarie, with more than 15,000 norther suburbs premises to receive it in coming months.

Mindarie residents can expect to see workers for nbn co and its delivery partner Fulton Hogan installing node cabinets and hauling fibre optic cable over the next few weeks.

Construction is then scheduled to move to parts of Clarkson, Jindalee, Merriwa, Quinns Rocks and Ridgewood over the coming months.

Nbn co WA corporate affairs manager Philippa Perry said residents in Mindarie and surrounding suburbs would “soon be able to experience the benefits of fast and reliable broadband”.

“These premises will be receiving fibre to the node (FTTN) technology, which is a way of providing very fast broadband by running fibre to a neighbourhood node and pillar and from there using the existing copper network to connect to the premises,” she said.

“Nbn’s end-user trials have shown FTTN can deliver great speeds to Australians, with most end-users on the trial getting wholesale speeds of 100 Mbps (download) and 40 Mbps (upload).”

Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts said it was encouraging to see the City’s advocacy for the network result in installation.

“The internet is an essential service; it’s important to have greater connections throughout the City,” she said.

Mrs Roberts said it would benefit students in north coast suburbs who had experienced problems with studying at home due to poor internet connections, as well as help businesses.

“We are looking at small business and we are looking at opportunities for home businesses; this will give them the opportunity to grow their business,” she said.

Pearce MHR Christian Porter witnessed the Mindarie node box being installed and said it was an important milestone for the area, with greater certainty for homes and businesses as they prepare for superfast broadband.

Mr Porter said reform of the NBN project aimed to roll out superfast broadband “quickly, more cost effectively and with minimal inconvenience to households”.

“The electorate of Pearce is diverse but the one thing that is common to all areas is the desire for improved communication infrastructure,” he said.

See www.nbnco.com.au/3yearplan .