Region. NBN hookup in 2013

More than 11,000 premises in Blacktown, and about 17,800 premises in Penrith will be connected will have access to the National Broadband Network by early 2013. The two cities are among 49 sites where the $36 billion rollout of high-speed internet will begin next year. “Initiatives such as the Penrith Health and Education Precinct, with its related tele-health projects, will now be more attractive and viable with this infrastructure roll-out,” said chairman of the Penrith Business Alliance,” Paul Brennan.

Region. Fibre-optic roll out

New sites for the NBN Co network to commence construction within 12 months include Blacktown, Penrith, Lidcombe and Strathfield. Construction is currently underway in Richmond and Riverstone.

Riverstone. Nominated for NBN rollout

Riverstone has been nominated in the second round of locations for the National Broadand Network rollout. Construction, at this and 18 other sites around the nation, is not expected to be completed until around the middle of next year.

South-West Sydney. NBN trial unerway

Residents of Middleton Grange, in Sydney’s south-west, are being given a glimpse into the future under a high-speed National Broadband Network trial, which would run until the end of the year. Up to 40 households at Parkbridge Estate will use high speed fibre optic cabling towards four applications, which include: A smart metering system that will allow families and businesses to track their energy consumption in real time and adjust energy use accordingly. A simple touch screen communications system to help people unable to access more common ways to communicate. A virtual world-learning environment for school students using web cameras, computers and live video interaction. High-definition internet TV to allow people to access and watch programs from the internet on television at any time