NBN Co has installed the first fibre optic cable in a Brisbane suburb as part of the widespread rollout of the National Broadband Network.

The local fibre, which links an exchange at Zillmere Road to homes and businesses throughout Aspley and surrounding suburbs, was hauled today in Summerfield and Petanne Streets.

“Today’s fibre haul here in Aspley, Brisbane marks an important step in the rollout of the NBN in Queensland,” says NBN Co spokesperson Darren Rudd.

“Aspley is the first suburb in Brisbane where fibre hauling is taking place and shows that work is underway to build the network, which will provide super-fast broadband to homes and businesses by early 2013.

“Construction work has already commenced on rolling out the NBN to around 100,000 homes and businesses in Queensland, including around 6,800 premises in parts of Aspley.

“And construction is set to have commenced or be completed for around 678,000 homes and businesses across Queensland by mid-2015.

“In parts of Aspley we’re aiming for construction to wrap up in early 2013, 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 parts of Aspley, work is under planning or construction in the following suburbs: Zillmere, Nudgee, Banyo, Northgate, Nundah, Ascot, Hendra, Hamilton and Eagle Farm. NBN Co is aiming for construction in those suburbs to be completed during 2013.

“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,” Mr Rudd says.

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.