Construction has commenced on a long-anticipated upgrade to the National Broadband Network (NBN) in Canberra, promising faster internet speeds for approximately 97,000 premises. This project, expected to be completed by 2030, aims to replace outdated technology with more advanced infrastructure.
The initiative is part of a nationwide effort by NBN Co, backed by a $3 billion equity injection from the Commonwealth. However, the project has encountered challenges in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), where existing backyard power poles struggle to support the required cable load.
Challenges and Solutions in the ACT
Finance Minister and ACT Senator Katy Gallagher acknowledged the hurdles faced in the region, emphasizing the importance of the NBN Co’s consultation process. “There will be some disruption,” she noted, but praised the company’s efforts to engage with local communities.
NBN Co Chief Executive Ellie Sweeney, speaking at the sod-turning ceremony for Canberra’s upgrades, explained that the majority of the new cables would be installed underground. “We’ll be building pits and pipes and reusing as much as we can,” she stated, highlighting the focus on resilience and efficiency.
Despite the challenges, Sweeney affirmed the company’s commitment to completing the project on time and within budget. Some disruption to private property is expected, but NBN Co is working closely with local governments to minimize inconvenience.
Technological Advancements and Community Impact
Many Canberra residents currently rely on fibre-to-the-node (FTTN) connections, which use the existing copper network from a nearby fibre node to connect homes. The upgrades will transition these connections to fibre-to-the-premise (FTTP), providing a direct fibre optic line to homes and businesses.
This shift is expected to nearly double the number of ACT premises capable of accessing multi-gigabit broadband. “Canberrans deserve fast, reliable, and affordable internet, and this upgrade will make a real difference,” Senator Gallagher said.
For the few suburbs where logistics make full upgrades uneconomical, alternatives such as fixed wireless or high-speed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services are being considered.
Competition and Future Prospects
When asked about potential competition from Elon Musk’s Starlink, Sweeney expressed confidence in the NBN’s capabilities. “You can’t get that speed on a Starlink,” she remarked, noting that fibre is globally recognized as superior technology.
With nearly a third of Australians now demanding download speeds of 500 megabits or more, the NBN’s upgrades are crucial. “Once that fibre is in the ground, it’s there,” Sweeney explained, emphasizing the long-term benefits and scalability of fibre technology.
“Fibre is the fastest, most scalable technology. It is not impacted by line of sight or congestion,” Sweeney said.
Suburbs Set for Upgrades
The following suburbs are among those scheduled to receive the NBN upgrades:
- Calwell
- Chapman
- Chifley
- Chisholm
- Conder
- Duffy
- Fadden
- Farrer
- Fisher
- Gilmore
- Gordon
- Gowrie
- Greenway
- Holder
- Hume
- Isaacs
- Isabella Plains
- Kambah
- Macarthur
- Mawson
- Monash
- O’Malley
- Oxley
- Pearce
- Phillip
- Richardson
- Rivett
- Stirling
- Symonston
- Theodore
- Torrens
- Wanniassa
- Waramanga
- Weston
- Acton
- Ainslie
- Aranda
- Barton
- Belconnen
- Braddon
- Bruce
- Campbell
- Canberra Airport
- Cook
- Curtin
- Deakin
- Dickson
- Downer
- Forrest
- Garran
- Giralang
- Griffith
- Hackett
- Hawker
- Hughes
- Kaleen
- Kingston
- Lyneham
- Lyons
- Macquarie
- Narrabundah
- O’Connor
- Parkes
- Pialligo
- Red Hill
- Reid
- Turner
- Watson
- Weetangera
- Yarralumla
- Evatt
- Florey
- Flynn
- Fraser
- Hall
- Higgins
- Holt
- Latham
- Macgregor
- Mckellar
- Melba
- Page
- Scullin
- Spence
As the project progresses, residents can expect significant improvements in internet speed and reliability, transforming Canberra into a model of modern connectivity.
