THE National Broadband Network will go live in the Ballarat region from Wednesday.
About 1500 households, located mainly around Creswick, Ross Creek and some areas west and north of Ballarat, will receive letters in the next few days advising them the NBN is available.
They will also get a brochure called “Getting Connected” which will provide specific information about the project.
Ballarat MP Catherine King said the services will come from NBN equipment co-located on existing towers and a new Ross Creek tower.
“This is great news for the residents and businesses affected and confirms that NBN broadband is fast becoming a reality in this region,” Ms King said.
“It means that people in the premises affected will be able to order a high-speed broadband service and will be among the first in the nation to receive the benefits of this over the NBN through the fixed wireless network.”
A list of 11 service providers will also be included in the letter.
Homeowners wishing to connect to NBN have to contact one of these providers for a package as NBN Co does not sell directly to the public.
“The service provider will fix a time for the NBN equipment to be installed and the service activated. Importantly, a standard installation of the NBN Co equipment will be free of charge.”
Ms King said people should check their current internet service contracts before terminating any arrangements and to consider any lease agreements or body corporate arrangements they may have.
She said fibre optic roll-outs were also currently underway in Bacchus Marsh and Ballarat.
“This will bring huge advantages for the broader business, health and education sectors of this region in addition to the obvious improvements in the delivery of world leading telecommunications to the household.”
