The role out of the National Broadband Network which is costing Australians $36 Billion is in trouble, with the organisation admitting they will not reach a quarter of the homes they first projected.The organisation, who has a reputation for playing the blame game, has attributed the missed targets on technical challenges, natural disasters and a nine-month delay to obtaining access to Telstra phone lines.
A report obtained by The Australian shows that the number of homes passed in new housing estates — known as “greenfield” connections — is forecast at 22,500 by June rather than the original 319,000 target. Fixed-wireless services for homes beyond the reach of the high-speed cable are tipped to total 18,500 by June rather than the original 283,000 target.
What is not known is whether the delays will blow out the $36B budget.
Based on their current schedule, the NBN fibre network will pass fewer than 250,000 homes and businesses by next June will the bulk of these being in none core Metropolitan locations.
Further information on how the NBN is tracking will be revealed tomorrow when a new business plan is released.
Coalition communications spokesman Malcolm Turnbull has dismissed the delay over the Telstra deal as a “very thin” excuse according to The Australian.
