NBN Co has installed the first fibre optic cable in the Sydney metropolitan area. The fibre being laid in Blacktown is part of the widespread rollout of the National Broadband Network.

The local distribution fibre, which links the Blacktown exchange to homes and businesses throughout the local area, was hauled on the corner of Main Street and Marcel Crescent.

“The fibre haul here in Blacktown marks an important step in the rollout of the NBN to not only Western Sydney but Sydney as a whole,” NBN Co spokesperson Lead Community Account Manager for Northern Australia Darren Rudd says.

“The construction here today shows that work is underway to build the network, which will provide super-fast broadband to parts of Blacktown from 2013.

“Construction work has already commenced on rolling out the NBN to homes and businesses right across New South Wales, including around 16,800 premises in the Blacktown area.

“In Blacktown we’re aiming for some areas of construction to be completed by July, which means homes and businesses are expected to be able to connect to services over the NBN shortly after.

“In addition to the work underway to connect Blacktown, work is under planning or construction in parts of Seven Hills. NBN Co is aiming for construction in this suburb to be completed during 2013.

“By mid-2015 construction is set to have commenced or be completed for more than 1,000,000 premises across New South Wales.

“We plan to connect every home, school and workplace in Australia to the NBN within the next decade with a combination of fibre, fixed wireless and satellite technologies.

“The NBN is being designed to transform the way Australians communicate and keep in touch with each other, how they access education and health services, leverage e-business opportunities and immerse themselves in culture from around the world,” Darren says.

In addition, Penrith will also reach this important milestone with the first fibre being laid. The NBN will connect around 9,100 premises in the Penrith area and services will be available from mid 2013.

Once a street has access to the NBN, home and business owners will be informed and are then able to contact their telephone or internet service provider to see how they can get connected to services over the NBN.

Retail prices for NBN fibre plans based on 12/1Mbps or 25/5Mbps wholesale services* are comparable to existing ADSL2+ packages.**