NBN rollout: Suburbs able to connect to the network in the next three months

Another round of NBN connection works is underway across the state. Here are the next suburbs to be connected, and what you need to know about choosing plans with service providers.

NBN data consumption peaks between 7-11pm, and streaming television shows dominate downloads.

A DECADE after it was announced, NBN connection works are finally ramping up across the state.

Leader can reveal the suburbs to be connected during the next three months.

And now is the time to check with your internet provider to ensure you’ve got a plan that suits your household.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE WHICH SUBURBS CAN GET CONNECTED NEXT

Head of NBN Local Victoria Ebony Aitken said more than 50 per cent of connected homes in Victoria were choosing higher-speed tier products, based on wholesale download speeds of 50Mbps or higher.

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“With the average number of household digital devices expected to grow from 17 to 37 by 2022, we know the need for internet plans which allow consumers to simultaneously use online applications will become increasingly important,” Ms Aitken said.

Network traffic information shows data consumption spikes between 7 and 11pm, with video streaming dominating downloads during this time.

During the 2017/18 year there were 14,589 complaints recorded nationwide about NBN connection problems, and 27,008 complaints about service quality, the latest figures from the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman show.

From the desktop to the laptop, the iPhone to the iPad, the number of devices in each household is expected to grow to 37 by 2022.

TOP TIPS WHEN CONNECTING TO THE NBN

■ Go to the NBN Co website to see which addresses are ready to connect now, and where construction is happening.

■ If you get a letter addressed “To the Householder” from NBN, it contains important information including the fixed-line disconnection date for your address (unless you live in an NBN fixed-wireless or NBN Sky Muster rollout area where the existing fixed-line network is not being disconnected).

■ Check with your internet service provider your usage habits and the number of devices connected during peak usage times between 7-11pm.

■ NBN comes with a choice of fast speeds. When selecting your plan from your internet service provider, keep in mind 25Mbps download speed is considered where “fast” broadband begins. Basic retail plans are likely to be comparable with your current ADSL service.

■ Don’t put your modem anywhere near large metal objects — like a fridge — because it will slow your Wi-Fi signal. Even fish tanks interfere with the Wi-Fi signal strength.

■ If you have a large house or thick stone walls, you may need to install a Wi-Fi extender to push the signal to other parts of your house.

■ If you have a Fibre to the Node service and have several phone outlets in your home — additional to the one being used for your modem — hire a qualified telco tech to disconnect them or re-wire them for NBN, because they cause interference with your Wi-Fi and your speeds may slow or the internet and phone could intermittently drop out.

Consider your internet habits and the number of devices you have when choosing a plan.

SOME HOMES IN THESE AREAS ARE READY FOR CONNECTION THIS MONTH:

Kingsbury, Preston, Reservoir, Thornbury, Bellfield, Ivanhoe, Clarinda, Dingley Village, Oakleigh South, Parkdale, Middle Park, St Kilda, St Kilda West, Braybrook, Keilor East, Sunshine, Moonee Ponds, Port Melbourne, Southbank, Travancore, Balaclava, Bentleigh, Elwood, Ripponlea, Ascot Vale, Footscray, Maidstone, Carrum Downs, Doncaster, Templestowe, Kew, Dandenong, South Yarra, Toorak, Coldstream, Lilydale, Point Cook.

If you live in one of these suburbs you can check the NBN website to see if your address is ready to be connected.

PARTS OF THESE SUBURBS WILL BE ABLE TO CONNECT IN DECEMBER:

Preston, Reservoir, Greensborough, Kingsbury, Lower Plenty, Macleod, Rosanna, Watsonia North, Yallambie, Beaumaris, Brighton, Brighton East, Cheltenham, Prahran, Windsor, Delahey, Kings Park, Sunshine North, Ascot Vale, Flemington, Kensington, Bentleigh East, Lalor, Point Cook, Seabrook, Warranwood, Blackburn South, Box Hill South, Burwood, Attwood, Broadmeadows, Dallas, Jacana, Westmeadows, Cranbourne, Noble Park, Croydon South, Mount Eliza.

PARTS OF THESE SUBURBS WILL BE READY FOR CONNECTION IN JANUARY:

Reservoir, Briar Hill, Greensborough, Cheltenham, Mentone, Braeside, Chelsea, Moorabbin Airport, Mordialloc, St Kilda, Fitzroy, Balaclava, St Kilda East, Epping, Moonee Ponds, Frankston, Frankston South, Warranwood, Abbotsford, Hallam, Collingwood, Fitzroy, Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Ringwood, Wantirna, Oakleigh.

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