Interview: Getting new developments ready for NBN fibre

In the next 10 years, the NBN is planned to connect about 13 million premises across the country with a combination of fibre, fixed wireless and satellite. But of these, nearly two million premises are yet to be built!

Recently, the NBN Co Discovery Truck visited Maitland, NSW, and quite a number of builders and developers working on a number of major new developments in the area came through to learn more about the NBN.

Matthew Schwabrow, New Development Account Manager, came along for the day and gave us some key insights into the rollout of new developments:

Nichola: Which new developments can get the NBN?

Matthew: The existing buildings in established suburbs are called "brownfields" in industry lingo, and new developments are called "greenfields".

The latter are covered by the government's "Fibre in New Developments Policy", which means developers can contract NBN Co to install fibre into housing estates that have 100 or more premises and where the developer has installed pits and pipes to NBN Co's requirements. NBN Co may also provide infrastructure in smaller developments where it is practical for it to do so.

New developments that don't fit these requirements will need to apply to Telstra or another provider, and likewise, developers that applied for services with Telstra before January 2011, will still get their infrastructure provided by Telstra.

Nichola: What can developers do to work with NBN Co in their new developments?

Matthew: We encourage early engagement from all developers to allow NBN Co to adequately plan the delivery of fibre infrastructure to new developments, at least 10 months ahead of residents moving in.

Developers can apply for fibre services via NBN Co's online application form.

Nichola: As a developer, what are the benefits of fibre in new developments?

Matthew: By incorporating fibre into the early stages of construction, developers are able to ensure high-speed broadband coverage for all the premises in their estate, and take the opportunity to install fibre before roads and footpaths are sealed over, minimising disruption to residents and keeping construction costs down.

Of course, many are also taking the opportunity to market their new developments as 'NBN Ready' estates too, with residents in these developments being among the first in Australia to benefit from the high speeds available over the NBN.

Nichola: What can developers do to prepare new developments for the NBN?

Matthew: We have a set of requirements that developers need to meet in constructing premises to ensure we can successfully install the NBN into the new buildings.

Developers and builders should definitely download and read the full set of requirements in our 'NBN Co Preparation and Installation Guide'.

There's also a two page summary flyer with key requirements which can be passed on to contractors working on their developments. If homes are prepared incorrectly it will probably mean additional work and cost for the developer or builder.

These documents can be found under our 'Technical Guidelines' page.

Nichola: How many new developments is NBN working on across the country?

Matthew: NBN Co is currently building fibre infrastructure in over 2,500 new developments nationally, comprising over 132,000 premises. To date NBN Co has around 10,000 premises passed or covered in new developments.

Nichola: Wow that is a huge number! What have been some of the challenges for NBN Co and how have you solved them?

Matthew: The main challenge has been to educate the Industry of NBN Co's requirements for the delivery of fibre infrastructure into new developments.

We've put in place a number of processes and activities to assist in this education, including a Builder Outreach Program (which consisted of eNews to developers and builders, builder briefing sessions, contractor training sessions, site visits and engagements with industry stakeholders), council briefings, participation in community events, and NBN Co's Discovery Truck.