Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Brisbane 'switches on' NBN - ABC Local


Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan, with the help of Aspley's Junior Rugby League under 11's team pressed the big red button signalling the gates to the information super-highway open.


From Thursday the NBN is available to more than 500 premises in the suburb of Aspley, with the NBN fibre set to be available to a further 1700 premises in the coming weeks.


Mr Swan said the National Broadband Network was a nation building project, which will power the economy for years to come.


"The switch on today is a first for Brisbane, but it will roll out across the country [to] over 135,000 premises by mid 2015," Mr Swan said.


The national infrastructure project has been subject to political and industry debate for a number of years, but Mr Swan said the project will make a difference now, and continue to deliver in the decades to come.


"Copper wire, which is what we have, is horse and buggy era; what we'll get now is light through fibre, delivering super fast connectivity.


"It will drive our economy and make a huge difference to the way in which businesses operate. It will make a huge difference to the lives of people living here," Mr Swan said.


98-year-old Zillmere resident Kev O'Leary, who was present at the 'switch on' said he can remember a time when not even copper wire could connect people with the world.


"I came to Zillmere in about 1933. We never had a telephone or electricity in my [early] day.


"But I think it's marvellous. People living in the bush, they want something better, I think will catch on quick."


Touting the benefits of the broadband connectivity and the impact it will have on Australia's next generation of sporting stars, the Aspley's under 11's league team were treated to a virtual coaching clinic from Mick Hancock who was at Lang Park.


Darren Rudd NBN Co Lead Community Manager said the technology rolled out in Aspley will transform the way we "work, live and play" having a significant impact on the medical and sporting industries.


"This is not a technology just for technologists. It's for the creative industries of Brisbane, for trades' people, students, senior citizens," Mr Rudd said.


Broncos winger Jharal Yow Yeh said video training sessions, such as the junior team partook in will play a big role in the future of sporting clubs changing the way they discover and hone the next crop of footy stars - regardless of where they live.


"This'll have a massive benefit for our younger ones coming through."


He said NBN Co has already commenced construction in Ascot, Banyo, Bridgeman Downs, Carseldine, Collingwood Park, Eagle Farm, Goodna, Hamilton, Hendra, Northgate, Nudgee, Petrie, Kallangur, Redbank Plains, Slacks Creek, Virginia and Zillmere


The southern Queensland town of Toowoomba was switched on last month, while 3100 Townsville premises are said to be enjoying all that comes with super speeds promised by the new technology.



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