The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, together with the Member for Scullin, Harry Jenkins, has kicked off National Broadband Network (NBN) fibre services in South Morang, Victoria, with a virtual online AFL training session for local Auskick kids.

“It was great to take part in the NBN-enabled ‘AFL virtual coaching session’, which clearly demonstrated one of the many ways that sport will benefit from high-speed broadband,” says Senator Conroy.

“HD video enabled by the NBN creates the chance for the world’s top coaches to get online and watch athletes train, analyse performances and offer advice – wherever the coach or athlete might be located.

“2300 homes and business in South Morang can now access NBN fibre services and experience the benefits of the fast, reliable and affordable broadband it provides.

“By mid-2015 fibre construction will have commenced or be complete for 16,300 homes and businesses in South Morang, including Bundoora and Mill Park.

“I urge everyone who can access the NBN in South Morang to get in touch with their local service provider and start experiencing the benefits of the NBN for themselves.”

The Member for Scullin, Harry Jenkins, says it was great to see children from Epping and South Morang Football Clubs benefit from the coaching expertise of two AFL legends, Robert ‘Dipper’ Dipierdomenico and Brent ‘Boomer’ Harvey.

“I have been advocating for local families to have access to high speed, affordable broadband for many years. Today’s coaching session with ‘Boomer’, ‘Dipper’ and the local Auskick kids shows the real possibilities of the National Broadband Network,” Harry says.

“This is what the NBN is all about- it’s about improving the ways in which we access information by allowing experts on any subject to be bought directly into local schools meaning a better education for local students.

“A local business, a video rental outlet, has diversified to becoming an NBN service retailer and has been overwhelmed by interest from those waiting to connect. NBN is real and residents have great expectations of the possibilities,” Harry says.

The Member for McEwen, Rob Mitchell, said local small businesses would also benefit from the NBN.

“With NBN services starting from $30 a month with no line rental, small businesses stand to benefit enormously. Not only will they pay less for broadband, in many cases, but it will let them streamline business processes and reach markets anywhere in the world.

“I recently visited Tonya from Resolve Rehabilitation Services, a home-based small business in South Morang, which connected to an NBN service just a few weeks ago. She was ecstatic with the quality and speed of her new service, and the savings she’s made over her previous ADSL1 connection,” Rob says.

Work has already commenced for 48,100 Victorian homes and businesses and by mid-2015, fibre construction will have commenced or be complete for 691,600 homes and businesses across Victoria.