One of the biggest – and most justified – criticisms of the NBN under the previous Labor Government was the lack of accuracy of the information it published about the network’s rollout. One of Malcolm Turnbull’s first acts as Minister for Communications was to direct NBN Co to publish more accurate information more often.

That it as done, though in many cases it has not had too much to say, given the delays caused by the innumerable reviews as the strategy changes from Labor’s all-fibre network to the Coalition’s ‘multi technology mix’.

Now NBN Co has released a new interactive rollout map on its website, which displays the communities in the fixed-line footprint where ‘build preparation’ is taking place.

These areas are shaded green on the map. They signify that contractors in built-up (or brownfields) areas are carrying out pre-construction activities – for instance readying Telstra’s pits and pipes for use by NBN Co – ahead of the physical construction of the NBN.

NBN Co Chief Operating Officer, Greg Adcock, said: “We are stabilising the NBN rollout and have reviewed the underlying data. That gives us the confidence to be able to provide greater clarity about work underway across Australia.

“The new measure lets families and businesses know earlier on in the rollout process that the NBN is coming, so they can start exploring how they might take advantage of high-speed broadband.”

‘Build preparation” is currently underway for approximately 167,000 homes and businesses in the NBN brownfields footprint. Construction contracts for the physical build of the network (‘build commenced’) have been issued for a further 290,000 brownfields premises. There are 195,000 premises with an active NBN connection across all access technologies.

‘Build preparation’ takes place after the commencement of design phase (i.e. preparation of maps, surveying and rodding and roping) and before the start of the physical ‘build commenced’ phase. The design phase is not displayed on the map.

The map enables anyone to check the status of any address in Australia, and to scroll out and see the status of all areas, overlaid on a larger map.

It can be found at www.nbnco.com.au/when-do-i-get-it/rollout-map.html