Media release

iiNet mainland customers go live on NBN

18 May 2011: iiNet joined the Prime Minister and NBN Co in Armidale NSW today to launch the first mainland connections to the National Broadband Network and showcase the benefits that superfast broadband services has brought to its trial customers.

Speaking at the official launch ceremony this morning, Matthew Dunstan, General Manager Retail at iiNet, said the Perth-based Internet Service Provider recognised the importance of the NBN for its customers and the company.

"We've always welcomed the speed and competition that a ubiquitous fibre network will bring our customers, which is why we have partnered with the NBN to roll-out this service in every first-release site," Mr Dunstan said.

"For residents and businesses in Armidale, today marks the beginning of a competitive broadband market that offers speeds 60 times faster than what we could previously offer."

"We have two customers participating in the NBN trial in Armidale who are already enjoying faster speeds and greater download capability, which has made their work and university life a richer experience," Mr Dunstan said.

iiNet customer, Mr Peter Erskine joined today's event online via his NBN connection and said his new Internet service has meant he can communicate with his colleagues more easily.

"I work as a researcher at the University of New England, however, I prefer to work from home. The NBN connection makes it possible for me to teleconference online and keep in touch with my university colleagues online more reliably than before," Mr Erskine said.

"It's a great privilege to be one of the first iiNet customers to be connected to the NBN and I look forward to the national roll out so I can keep in touch with my research partners around the country. I think it will greatly improve the way people work and how they're educated - and that's only the beginning."

About iiNet

iiNet is Australia's second largest DSL Internet Service Provider (ISP) and the leading challenger in the telecommunications market. We employ more than 2000 inquisitive staff across four countries and support over 1.3 million broadband, telephony and Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) services nationwide.

We're a publicly listed company and we maintain our own super-fast broadband network. Our vision is to lead the market with products that harness the potential of the Internet and then differentiate with award-winning customer service.

To achieve this, we employ creative thinkers and true advocates of technology. Our people are a huge part of the iiNet success story, so we've developed a unique and stimulating work culture to ensure they remain engaged and inspired.

A lot has changed since our CEO founded iiNet in a suburban garage back in 1993 and the broadband landscape continues to evolve. What hasn't changed is our passion for the transformative benefits of the Internet and our commitment to helping Australians connect better.