THE path to faster and more reliable internet service will be longer for some members of the Bathurst community than others.
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Some residents have reported being unable to connect to the national broadband network (nbn), despite the service being available in their area.
A spokesperson for nbn said there were parts of Bathurst that presented more challenges than others during the construction process, meaning some households were unable to connect.
“Rather than delay access to an entire area, it is preferable to allow the majority of premises in that area that are ready for service to access services over the nbn network while those issues are resolved,” they said.
“We constantly try and get the balance right between having enough construction complete to enable the houses in that area to get access to the nbn network, whilst continuing to build for those parts that have added construction complexity.”
Residents can check the official nbn website to find out whether the network is available for their specific address.
If it is not available, a message reading “We’re currently getting the nbn network up and running in your area” will appear.
“[That] is exactly what’s underway and we aim to connect these premises as soon as possible although those that require significant civil works may face longer waiting times than others to be connected,” the spokesperson said.
“The average time to connect these premises is a little over six months but it is important to remember that the existing phone and broadband services will remain connected until we can provide access to the nbn network.”
More than 10,000 Bathurst homes and businesses can already access a service over the nbn network.
The spokesperson said works are currently underway to connect the remaining 5,500 premises in parts of the Bathurst CBD, Gormans Hill, Mitchell, Robin Hill, South Bathurst and West Bathurst.
These areas are expected to be ready for service from August and September of this year.
“The rollout of the nbn network is one of the most complex and ambitious initiatives to be undertaken in any market across the world and we ask the community for its patience as we make the transition from the old to the new network,” the spokesperson said.
