NBN Update

Start dates announced for NBN Second Release sites in NSW, Qld, ACT 3 August 2011

NBN Co today announced the dates that preliminary site works are scheduled to start in the Second Release Sites of the national broadband network in New South Wales, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory. Works are due to start across nine locations in a rolling schedule, with preliminary site work due to get underway this month in Armidale and Coffs Harbour, NSW. NBN Co plans to roll out the network in a series of modules, each covering around 3000 premises. As previously outlined, the next sites are a mix of extensions to works at First Release Sites and a number of additional sites announced last July. The announcement of start dates in NSW, Qld and the ACT follows the recent signing of a construction contract with Silcar for detailed design and construction in these areas. Negotiations are currently progressing with construction companies to undertake work in the other states and the Northern Territory. It is estimated that the average time from the start of preliminary works to the activation of first services will be around 12 months. Additional onsite planning and preparation works will be necessary before building begins. Scheduled preliminary site work start dates are outlined in the following list. LOCATION PRELIMINARY SITE WORKS START DATE 1. - Coffs Harbour August 2011 2. - Armidale NSW August 2011 3. - Townsville Qld September 2011 4. - Kiama township and Jamberoo NSW September 2011 5. - Toowoomba Qld October 2011 6. - Gungahlin ACT October 2011 7. - Riverstone NSW November 2011 8. - Goodna/Springfield Lakes November 2011 9. - Aspley- Brisbane metropolitan area December 2011

NBN Co CEO Mike Quigley said: “The signing of the Definitive Agreement with Telstra – though yet to be approved by shareholders – together with the finalisation of the construction contract with Silcar, has allowed us to finalise the proposed schedule for the next round of construction in mainland Australia."