The nbn™ network rollout is one of Australia’s largest infrastructure projects to date, and it’s officially passed the halfway mark.

This means that more than 5.7 million homes and businesses are ready-for-service (RFS) and can speak to a preferred retail service provider (RSP) about ordering services on the nbn™ network.

nbn’s Chief Executive Officer, Bill Morrow, highlighted the importance of Australians having access to fast broadband.

“I’m proud to announce that one in two Australians are now able to enjoy the benefits of fast broadband by connecting to the nbn™ network through a retailer. Nationwide access to fast broadband will become the platform to launch Australia into the next phase of its digital future – it will change what our jobs will look like, where we will live and how we fare on a global scale.

How fast is the rollout progressing?

On average, at present, around 100,000 new homes and businesses are being added to the nbn™ network every week.

The rollout is on target to be three-quarters complete by mid-2018, and on track to comfortably hit the 2020 deadline.

Additionally, it is on budget, making record time, and ahead of schedule.

"The rollout of the nbn™ network is one of the most complex and ambitious initiatives to be undertaken in any market across the world. We’re building a nationwide network that has the ability to deliver wholesale speeds which are currently around eight times faster than the average capacity available on the majority of Australia’s existing broadband services," Mr Morrow said.

"Our team is on budget and ahead of schedule to connect millions of Australian homes and businesses in the next few years and ask for your patience as we make the transition from the old to the new network."

He also explained how many Australians are switching to the nbn™ network.

“We are seeing great demand for fast broadband across the country – there are currently around three in four homes and businesses who have signed up to services over the nbn™ network following the 18-month window they are provided to make the switch.

"Our team will continue to ramp-up the rollout of the network to help meet this demand in the coming months as we start further construction work across the capital cities and outer metro areas."

How do I connect to the nbn™ network?

Once ready for service, you can speak to your preferred retail service provider about plans and arranging a time to switch your services over.

Here are a few questions to consider:

• What speed tiers are offered?
• Which service providers are available to me?
• How much data do I need?

And here are two questions you may want to ask of existing equipment or service providers before switching to the nbn™ network:

• Will my existing services be affected?
• Will my devices be compatible?

Mr Morrow emphasised the importance of remembering that the nbn™ network is one step in the connectivity chain.

“To ensure Australians get the best possible internet experience, it’s important they understand the role of nbn as the access network connecting their homes and businesses to services provided by retailers. Speeds experienced over the nbn™ network are influenced by a range of factors such as the technology used to deliver the network as well as equipment quality, broadband plans, signal reception and the age of the smart devices being used to connect to the internet.”

For more information on the nbn™ network and to find out when it will be available in your area, as well as information on how to pick the best-fit package for your home or business, you can visit the nbn™ website.