MORE than 8,000 Corrimal residents will be connected to the national NBN network.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard confirmed in October 2011 the initial roll out of the National Broadband Network would include Wollongong and Dapto over the next 12 months. In Wollongong the National Broadband Network will reach 8,400 businesses and residences, 10,600 in Dapto, and a further 8,300 in Corrimal to be connected to the national network. Corrimal will bring a total of 27,300 businesses and residences to be connected to the NBN in Wollongong City.

Infrastructure built as part of the initial phase will support later expansion of high-speed broadband across the city. The network will see connection speeds up to 100 times faster than existing internet connections.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said the announcement will further enhance Wollongong’s growing reputation as a place for businesses such as finance, health services and education to move into the city.

“The NBN will also allow Council to provide better communication and e-government tools for the people of the city,” he said.

“The city will enjoy some of the fastest NBN connections when the expansion of the roll out of the NBN will support the expansion of e-government services by using new technologies allowing Council to connect and engage with members of the community.”