New developments policy information

On 9 December 2010 The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy announced the Fibre in New Developments Policy, which means that residential and business owners in new developments will be among some of the first in Australia to enjoy the fast speeds offered over the National Broadband Network.

• NBN Co will install fibre into new developments of 100 premises (dwellings/units) or more, released over a three year period, which have received Stage Five approval (relating to civil works) after the commencement date, within the NBN fibre footprint.

• Under an NBN Co Developer Agreement, NBN Co will cover the cost of fibre infrastructure in all newly approved developments with Single Dwelling Unit (SDU) premises. Developers will be responsible for designing and installing pit and pipe infrastructure to NBN Co's Pit and Pipe Installation Guidelines and then transferring ownership of pit and pipe to NBN Co. If the development is a Multi Dwelling Unit (MDU), developers will be responsible for ensuring that the pathways comply with NBN Co's MDU Building Design Guide for Developers.

• Developments with less than 100 premises are now being assessed by NBN Co and are assessed on practical and economic grounds as they could potentially be near or adjacent to existing or future developments that has been approved by NBN Co for the rollout of infrastructure. Following the assessment of any applications less than 100 premises should NBN Co be unable to approve your application you will need to direct your request to Telstra or any other telecommunications provider.

• Developers who applied for telecommunications services from Telstra prior to 1 January 2011 are classified in the Minister's policy statement as Pre-existing Developments. Telstra is responsible for providing telecommunications infrastructure and services into these developments.

• NBN Co requires at least three months notice prior to the commencement of construction/civil works, from developers when requesting new fibre infrastructure to ensure NBN Co can deliver fibre infrastructure in line with developer timelines. Please refer to New Developments Process for further details to inform your planning process.