NBN policy boon to home buyers

The National Broadband Network decision to pay for the cost of installing fiber infrastructure into communities and new homes is a boon for home buyers as it avoids passing on any additional costs to consumers for broadband installation.

The Residential Development Council has welcomed the announcement that new developments with 100 premises or more will be prioritised for the roll-out of the National Broadband Network. Under the policy, developers will continue to be responsible for installing pit and pipe infrastructure, while NBN Co will cover the cost of installing fibre infrastructure into communities and new homes.

Residential Development Council Executive Director, Caryn Kakas, says the announcement is a big win for buyers of new homes in greenfield developments and apartment buildings.

"This means that homeowners on the urban fringe won't be hit with a $3000 charge nor will regional Australians face a cost of up to $5000 to pay for the delivery of the National Broadband Network into their communities," Kakas says. "The Residential Development Council has been working constructively with the Federal Government and NBN Co for some time in order to get things right and it's great to see that there will be no additional costs to consumers for the installation of broadband."

"This is a win for common sense and ensures that new communities can participate fully in the vast range of social and economic benefits which access to broadband brings." NBN Co. has already announced pit and pipe specifications and guidelines for property developers to follow. A national set of standards for the system is still pending; to be used as a basis for delivering the fiber infrastructure around the country.