West Armidale selected as one of five national broadband network test sites

Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay has welcomed today’s announcement that West Armidale has been selected as one of five first release sites for the roll out of the national broadband network.
The area which includes the University of New England is one of only two sites in NSW chosen to trial the technology.
The other sites are in Melbourne, Townsville, Minnamurra and Kiama Downs south of Wollongong and Willunga in South Australia.
The MP said the Armidale area selected would include approximately 2,600 premises in the west and north-west sections of the city.
“This will give our region a headstart with this new technology and it is good to see a good cross section of sites chosen across the nation,” Mr Torbay said. “Both as local Member and UNE Chancellor I welcome this initiative for our region and the University.
“It’s a great boost for UNE and its plans to further extend its e-learning network. Fast broadband holds the key to online interactive education which is one of the keystones of the University’s strategy. It also means many local householders and businesses in the area can take early advantage of this new technology.”
The trial includes testing a variety terrains and climatic conditions for the rollout of optic fibre, construction techniques and design methods.
“It will be delivered in three stages and involves community consultation as part of the design phase,” Mr Torbay said.
Layout of the fibre optic cable and installing some of the active network equipment are expected to be completed early next year. The third stage will involve working with retail service providers to give them access to the network.