The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, has hauled National Broadband Network fibre in South Perth, where the NBN rollout is reaching the final stages of construction.

“Construction of National Broadband Network fibre has now commenced for around 17,000 homes and businesses in South Perth,” Senator Conroy says.

“Hauling the green NBN fibre is the final stage of construction, so people living locally should be able to start connecting to the NBN progressively from around June this year.

“The NBN will be available for prices that are similar to or less than what people are paying now on the aging copper network, but the NBN will provide a much more superior and reliable service.

“NBN fibre construction has commenced for 112,800 homes and business across Western Australia.

“This includes 68,000 homes and businesses across Perth, in areas such as Applecross, Ardross, Bateman, Booragoon, Brentwood, Burswood, Carlisle, Como, Victoria Park, Kensington, Kewdale, Lathlain, Mount Pleasant, Murdoch, Rivervale, South Perth, St James, Victoria Park, Welshpool, and Winthrop.”

While in Perth, Senator Conroy also officially launched the NBN Digital Hub and Digital Enterprise in Melville, which provides free expert advice to local residents and businesses on how to make the most of the National Broadband Network.

“Every Australian will have access to the NBN’s fast, affordable and reliable broadband. These hubs allow all of us to learn about the NBN and embrace the opportunities it presents,” he says.

“Local people can get expert advice on everything from using a computer to understanding the possibilities of the NBN, while small businesses can access training to help them use the NBN to compete nationally and globally. I encourage everyone to make use of this great local service.

“Across the country, Australians are embracing the NBN with more than 40,000 people already connected to the NBN’s fast, reliable, and affordable broadband.”

The Gillard Government is providing $391,091 to the City of Melville to establish the Digital Hub and an additional $270,000 has been allocated to the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce to provide Digital Enterprise training services.