Around 320 farms, homes and businesses can now switch to the National Broadband Network via a fixed-wireless site located at Cape Burney. NBN Co’s spokesperson Peter Gurney said the switch-on of the fixed-wireless service will bring better broadband to those living in the Mid West region.

“For decades, rural and regional Australia has been left behind when it comes to telecommunications. The fixed wireless service is designed to provide access to internet speeds and bandwidth that many in the big cities currently take for granted,” Mr Gurney said.

"The NBN also means you can get the whole family on line at once, opening up opportunities for local farms, businesses and the wider region to participate in the digital age. Fast broadband can help deliver improved access to health, education and entertainment over high quality video links.”

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price also welcomed today’s announcement by NBN.

Ms Price said the Coalition is committed to delivering the NBN at less cost to taxpayers, while still providing very fast broadband.

“To those who have so far believed the scaremongering campaign being developed in Geraldton, I will once again confirm that no one in Geraldton will miss out on an NBN service,” Ms Price said.

“I believe in saving taxpayers’ money, being transparent, unlike the Labor Party, and delivering a service to my Durack constituents sooner rather than later.

“The Abbott led Government shares this belief, which is why Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull commissioned an independent audit by NBN Co to strategically review Labor’s project.”

Ms Price said the Review found that under Labor, the network had passed only two per cent of households in the fixed line footprint after four years, and would have cost $29 billion more than they had let on.

“If the Coalition had allowed Labor’s failed strategy to continue, it would have also taken four more years to complete and would have led to price increases of up to 80 per cent,” Ms Price said.

“Like all residents and businesses, I look forward to the completion of NBN in Geraldton and across Australia, while saving Australian taxpayers’ $32 billion in the process.”

Residents in the areas now available to connect to the NBN are encouraged to visit the NBN Co website to see if their home or business is included as part of the coverage footprint via the interactive map: www.nbnco.com.au/rollout/rollout-map

For further information about NBN Co and fixed-wireless in the Mid West region, visit www.nbnco.com.au