East Dubbo residents could have high speed internet access as early as next year after build preparation work has been started for the National Broadband Network in the area.
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NBN Co confirmed that groundwork is being carried out for 2700 houses in the Eastern outskirts of the city, between the Newell and Mitchell Highways.
It will be welcome relief for residents in the area, with the majority currently unable to access ADSL services and having to rely on expensive wireless broadband options.
Parkes MP Mark Coulton confirmed Dubbo will also receive fibre to the premises, a significant improvement on the fibre to the node solution that most communities will get.
"There has been frustration in Dubbo because there was a feeling that construction had commenced but what had happened was preparation work," Mr Coulton said.
"From what I have been told, the remediation work will take a month or two, and then construction will begin. We expect that will be underway by September.
"Over the years I have spoken to people and Eastridge is the worst area with town for ADSL availability and internet speeds so it's good that work is starting there."
A spokesperson for NBN Co confirmed the preparation process is underway, which involves inspecting existing pipes and pits and ensuring they are ready for the new technology. Once that is completed, construction on the network will begin.
"The groundwork can vary in time but once that is completed, it generally takes about 12 months from when construction begins to when consumers can connect," they said.
"The goal of NBN Co is to get it to everybody as quickly as possible. It's starting in East Dubbo and fixed wireless is already available to many of the outlying areas. People can look at the coverage map on our website to see updates on other places."
Dubbo Mayor Mathew Dickerson has welcomed the news and he is hopeful that more areas of the city will also start to progress soon.
"It's great news for Eastridge and great for Dubbo. We have been saying for a long time now that Dubbo is ready and Dubbo will prosper from it.
"I recently had a meeting with Paul Fletcher, who is the parliamentary secretary to Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull to ensure they understood how important this is for Dubbo.
"It was 291 days from the election until I was able to see Paul. I had been hoping to talk to Malcolm Turnbull but I think it was a productive meeting with Paul. Now the task is to keep pushing to get the rest of Dubbo started."
