The Maitland region has not been forgotten in the National Broadband Network rollout, the NBN Co says.
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A Maitland internet expert said the announcement last week that Hunter and Central Coast towns, none in the Maitland area, had been earmarked for fast-tracked access to fibre to the node technology was disappointing.
But NBN Co contacted the Mercury to say Maitland had not been forgotten in the rollout process.
A spokeswoman referred to installation of NBN infrastructure in East Maitland and nearby suburbs as proof that the region had not been overlooked.
She said that every community was important, but the size of the country meant the national rollout of the new technology had to be done in stages.
“Build preparation and physical construction is under way to deliver the NBN to more than 9900 homes and businesses in parts of East Maitland, Raworth, Tenambit, Morpeth, Ashtonfield and Metford,” the spokeswoman said.
“On average, it takes 12 months from the start of construction until residents and businesses can order an NBN service from their preferred phone or internet provider.
“In addition there are more than 1000 serviceable premises in new developments within the Maitland City Council area.
“When NBN services go live in further parts of Maitland, we will inform the community and update the online rollout maps.”
Internet access has been an ongoing concern for residents across the Maitland region.
Overcrowded ADSL infrastructure and poor satellite service has meant that many residents have been left to wait for the NBN to become available near their home or work place to have a fast and reliable internet connection.
