Press release from the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today outlined the importance of the National Broadband Network (NBN) to the future development of regional Australia at a summit in Armidale, NSW.
Speaking at the Setting the Agenda for Regional Futures Summit at the University of New England, Senator Conroy reinforced the benefits and opportunities for regional Australia presented by the rollout of the NBN.
“One of the challenges facing regional Australia has always been about communication and overcoming distance and isolation to connect with each other, the rest of the country and the world,” Senator Conroy said.
“The NBN will transform service delivery for people living in regional Australia.
“It will mean people won’t have to travel as often for specialist appointments or care; local kids will have access to the best educational resources and local businesses will be able to access new markets anywhere in the world.”
An area of Armidale, including the University of New England, is one of five first release sites where the NBN is being rolled out on mainland Australia. During his visit to Armidale, Senator Conroy inspected the NBN rollout in the first release area, where 87.8 percent of people have signed up to have fibre connected to their premise.
“Residents in the first release footprint have embraced the NBN and I am pleased to see that work is progressing well here, with the first test services due to begin in the next two months,” Senator Conroy said.
“In December 2010, I announced that telehealth trials would begin in Armidale and Kiama in NSW when the NBN is rolled out this year.
“The trials will focus on high-quality telehealth services for older Australians with chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, living in Armidale and Kiama. Services will be delivered to the home, via the NBN.
“I look forward to the first services coming online in Armidale so local residents can start benefitting from this important 21st Century infrastructure.”