Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Michelle Rowland MP
Federal Member for Greenway
Ed Husic MP
Federal Member for Chifley
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
NBN switched on in Blacktown
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland and Member for Chifley, Ed Husic, today officially switched on the first National Broadband Network fibre services in Blacktown, New South Wales.
To showcase the benefits of the NBN, local school students took part in s virtual book reading with children’s author Andy Griffiths.
“Today’s reading lesson is another example of the possibilities for education offered by the Gillard Government’s world class National Broadband Network,” Senator Conroy said.
“Through the NBN, location will no longer be a barrier to getting access to great education.”
“Having NBN services available in Blacktown is great news for local families,” Ms Rowland said.
“Around 1,300 homes and businesses can now connect in Blacktown, with another 9,300 homes and businesses to come online over the next few months.”
Ed Husic said: “Small businesses – and home based-businesses – can now take advantage of better broadband due to the NBN. This is great for jobs and our local economy.
“I’ve previously had small businesses, especially those in Woodcroft, warn that poor broadband access would set them shut their doors. The NBN will help strengthen business in our area.”
Senator Conroy also announced NBN Co’s new three year rollout plan at the launch, under which fibre construction will commence or be completed for more than 4.8 million homes and businesses by 30 June 2016, including over 1.3 million new premises.
For more information about the NBN rollout visit www.nbnco.com.au/rollout
Date: 5 May 2013
Contacts: Adam Sims, Senator Conroy’s office, 0408 258 457
Michelle Rowland’s office, 0407 078 138
Ed Husic’s office, (02) 9625 4344
