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Tuesday, 14 June 2011
Page: 6045

Broadband

(Question No. 322)

Mr Fletcher asked the Minister representing the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, in writing, on 23 March 2011:

Will the Minister rule out the rollout of the National Broadband Network by overhead cable in the electorate of Bradfield; if not, (a) in which locations is it proposed that overhead cables will be rolled out in Bradfield, and (b) will the Minister arrange for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NBN Co., or an executive who reports directly to the CEO, to attend a community meeting in Bradfield to explain to its constituents the details of the proposed network rollout, and to receive any community feedback on this; if not, why not.

Mr Albanese: The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question:

(1) The location of overhead and underground cabling will be determined by NBN Co Limited (NBN Co) on an area-by-area basis. Factors that will influence whether overhead or underground cabling will be used include availability of existing infrastructure and the completion of Definitive Agreements between NBN Co and with Telstra which will provide NBN Co with access to Telstra's underground pit and pipes.

(2) NBN Co's Corporate Plan indicates that 75 per cent of the network will be deployed underground. NBN Co has attended community meetings in first release sites to discuss details of the proposed network rollout and receive community feedback. NBN Co will contact residents and property owners in Bradfield when the NBN rollout commences in that area.