NBN switched on in Townsville

The latest mainland test site of the National Broadband Network (NBN) has been switched on, with Townsville becoming the first Queensland location to be connected to the network.

Deputy prime minister and treasurer, Wayne Swan, launched the network today, saying that the north Queensland region will be able to reap the rewards of high speed internet.

"The NBN will significantly support growth and create business opportunities for Townsville with its diverse regional economy and strengths in mining and agriculture," Swan said.

“Investment in the NBN is essential for Australia to be an innovative knowledge-based economy of the future.”

Communications minister, Stephan Conroy, said the NBN would provide more e-health options for Australia, claiming that telehealth services will be bolstered in Queensland thanks to the network.

"The NBN will provide the connectivity to allow telehealth services...to become part of the primary healthcare system between a patient at home and their GP,” Conroy said.

The trial phase of the NBN will run until October, with Townsville residents and businesses then able join Armidale, Kiama Downs and Brunswick as test sites turned live sites that can be signed up to via a NBN preferred retail service provider.

Follow Lisa Banks on Twitter: @CapricaStar

Follow Computerworld Australia on Twitter: @ComputerworldAU

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