Media Release: NBN Co hits activation target early with completion in sight

More than seven million homes and businesses across Australia now have an active National Broadband Network (NBN) connection, providing critical access to high-speed broadband as more people work and study from home during COVID-19.

The latest activation milestone means NBN Co has met its 2020-23 Corporate Plan target for 30 June 2020 two months ahead of schedule – achieving one million connections in the last six months alone.

Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the importance of fast, affordable broadband delivered quickly has never been clearer than during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our focus on rolling out the network as quickly as possible means more than seven million homes and businesses are able to effectively learn, work and stay connected with loved ones as we all practice social distancing measures,” said Minister Fletcher.

“Since social distancing measures took effect at the end of February, NBN Co has connected around 300,000 homes and businesses to the network. Today there are 68 per cent of existing customers and 80 percent of new customers who are choosing retail plans with peak speeds of 50 Mbps or higher.”

“The Liberal National Government inherited a mess from Labor when we came to government in 2013, with only 50,000 premises connected to the fixed line network. Thanks to our work in turning the rollout around, Australians are well supported with access to fast broadband through this health crisis.”

The network build is now more than 97 per cent complete, with 11.2 million premises ready to connect, and the remainder on track to be completed this year.

NBN Co has added up to 40 per cent extra capacity to retailer service providers free of charge since social distancing arrangements were put in place and is providing additional data for Sky Muster customers in regional and remote areas.

NBN Co also recently announced a $150 million financial relief package so internet providers can support families and businesses to stay connected during COVID-19.

To learn more about the rollout to date visit: www.communications.gov.au/nbn-hits-7-million-activations

To learn more about NBN Co’s COVID-19 response visit: www.nbnco.com.au