One million connect to nbn during COVID-19

NBN Co has achieved one million new sign-ups for its high-speed broadband service in the last six months, bringing its total number of connections in Australia up to seven million. The activation milestone means the firm has reached its 2020–23 Corporate Plan target, two months ahead of schedule.

Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the uptake reflects a clear need for fast, reliable and affordable broadband during the COVID-19 pandemic, as more businesses shift to remote work and grow their online presence.

“Today … 68% of existing customers and 80% of new customers are choosing retail plans with peak speeds of 50 Mbps or higher,” he said.

In 2013, before the Coalition government came into power, only 50,000 premises were connected to the fixed-line network. Today the network build is 97% complete, with 11.2 million premises ready to connect. The rest is on track to be finished this year.

“Thanks to our work in turning the rollout around, Australians are well supported with access to fast broadband through this health crisis,” said Fletcher.

As well as government efforts to improve broadband access, NBN Co has gifted retail service providers with up to 40% extra capacity during COVID-19, and is giving data boosts for Sky Muster customers in regional and remote areas.

Additionally, it recently announced a $150 million financial relief package to help internet providers keep families and businesses connected during the pandemic.

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