THOUSANDS of homes and businesses in Mackay are a step closer to getting the National Broadband Network, with a major construction program on the network to be completed by June 2016.NBN Co has released its national rollout plan to June 2016, which includes parts of the following suburbs in Mackay and North Queensland where the fixed-line build will commence:

• 3300 premises in Bakers Creek, East Mackay, Mackay, Ooralea, Paget, Racecourse, South Mackay, and West Mackay
• 900 premises in Ball Bay and Seaforth
• 4800 premises in Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, Jubilee Pocket, and Mandalay
• 3400 premises in Ayr, Brandon, and Home Hill
• 2500 premises in Bowen
• 1500 premises in Proserpine and Glen Isla

In addition, the build will include fixed-wireless network services to:

• 200 premises in Airlie Beach
• 500 premises in Half Tide Beach
• 200 premises in Haliday Bay
• 100 premises in Mackay
• 300 premises in Proserpine

This is an important milestone for the area, with greater certainty for homes and businesses as they prepare for superfast broadband services.

“The message for North Queensland residents is clear – superfast broadband is another step closer.” 

We are delivering on our Liberal National Coalition Government promise to get the rollout back on track.In the words of Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull “When we came into Government, one of our chief priorities was to get this rollout completed sooner, cheaper for taxpayers and more affordably for consumers.” Mr Turnbull said.

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NBN FACTS

Since the election, the NBN had more than doubled the reach of its network.Nationwide, 1.2 million homes and businesses can now connect to the NBN or have work under way in their area.NBN Co provides monthly updates on its website showing areas that have reached build preparation, build commencement and that are ready for service.Residents can check their suburb at http://bit.ly/1FIHVIX ...[/box]