NBN Co has just signed off contracts with Transfield and a Lend Lease JV for deployment of broadband services in both Victoria and Western Australia.
The deals, confirmed today by Minister for Broadband, Communications Senator Stephen Conroy, who welcomed the signing by NBN Co of new contracts with Transfield Services in Vic and Syntheo – a Lend Lease/Service Stream joint venture – in WA.
Both agreements cover fibre design and construction activities for the roll out the $36bn fibre optic network for an initial two year period, with options to extend for two further years, say NBN Co.
The Transfield deal is worth approx $133 million, and could be as high as $395m if extended, while Syntheo/ NBN Co deal contract is worth $174m, with a potential value of $484m.
The agreements are still subject to NBN Co Board approval, however.
The agreements “will ensure value for money for the Australian taxpayer,” the NBN Co insist, despite criticism of the huge cost implications of the network.
NBN Co is gearing up to meet the challenge of passing 6,000 homes a day when at full capacity and plans to hit 93% of all national homes.
The NBN Co has released the rollout dates for the 19 second release sites with rollout will commence in WA in October and the following month in Victoria:
– Geraldton WA, October;
– Victoria Park, WA, November;
– South Morang, Victoria, November;
– Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, November;
– Mandurah, WA, December; and,
– Brunswick, Victoria, March 2012 (extension to existing works).
On site planning works means activation of first services will be another 12 months.
These latest contract signings mean approximately 60% of the total NBN construction activity planned for the next two years have now been awarded.
Silcar was awarded the contacts for Queensland, New South Wales and the ACT in June.
The National Broadband Network offering peak broadband speeds of up to 100Mbps.
“The announcement of the dates is great news for those communities and another indication that our world class NBN is a reality,” Senator Conroy declared.
