The rollout of the $37.4 billion national broadband network (NBN) in Australia is making tangible progress; with NBN rollout maps having been released by the federal government for the network’s extension in 40 areas over the next one year period. The maps clearly reveal that a large chunk of new connections are on the cards in New South Wales (NSW), Victoria and Queensland.

With Communications Minister Stephen Conroy announcing the commencement of construction of the network for 165,800 homes and businesses around the country, it has been revealed that 44,700 and 27,600 homes and businesses will respectively be covered in NSW and Victoria; while 31,200 premises will get connected in Queensland.

Going by the new fibre maps released by NBN to show the network’s extension to 40 different construction sites, 17 of the new sites will be in NSW including those at Coffs Harbour, Penrith and Richmond; and 11 will be in Victoria, including the first locations in Carlton and Creswick.

In addition, construction has also started for connecting 27,100 homes and businesses in Western Australia; 18,000 premises in South Australia; and 8,900 and 8,300 premises in Tasmania and the Northern Territory respectively.

About the progress being made on the NBN rollout front, Conroy said: “The release of these maps shows that the NBN rollout is ramping up across Australia, with NBN Co on track to meet its target of having construction commenced or completed for 758,000 homes and businesses by the end of the year.”