Many residents in Medowie and surrounding areas have been waiting for years for news about the National Broadband Network (NBN) being connected.

The politically controversial communications network was first announced by then-Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and has undergone a number of changes since that time.

Medowie residents keen to use the internet for business, study, and leisure activities have been waiting with baited breath for an announcement of when it will arrive in Medowie.

Despite problems with connecting other types of internet and slow speeds, the NBN has remained an elusive pipedream.

However, with new information about the NBN, residents of Medowie may finally have the NBN connected.

Although the website for information about the NBN roll had stated that there are no plans for the NBN roll out in Medowie that information has recently changed.

Federal Member for Paterson Ms Meryl Swanson MP has received information about the Medowie build that is said to cover Medowie, Williamtown, Salt Ash, Tanilba Bay, Mallabula, and Lemon Tree Passage.

In response to questions put to the Federal Member, a statement provided to Medowie News Of The Area by Ms Meryl Swanson MP, stated, “I am pleased that the NBNCo is finally listing dates for residents in areas such as Medowie, Williamtown, and Salt Ash.”

“The NBNCo website is stating that the NBN will be available in these areas in the second half of 2018.”

“Advice I have received from NBNCo directly suggests that this build may be complete slightly earlier than this,” Ms Swanson said.

“As the local Federal Member, I have been working hard to ensure that the NBN is rolled out to every corner of the Paterson electorate as soon as possible.”

“I will continue to liaise with NBNCo to ensure that residents of Medowie, Williamtown, and Salt Ash receive the NBN at the soonest date possible.”

Ms Swanson went on to state, “When the Prime Minister was the Communications Minister and moved away from Labor’s superior FTTP/FTTH NBN plan, he stated that every Australian would have access to the NBN by the end of 2016; this was obviously a desperate claim by a desperate Minister in a desperate Department.”

This paper previously reported on the frustrations of citizens in an article published 19 July, 2016.

This is an ongoing issue that needs fixing if Medowie is to receive an adequate internet speed to enable businesses to get on with what they need to do to be successful.

To keep abreast of NBN roll out dates visit www.nbnco.com.au.

By Heather SHARP