BULLI has been named as a critical mass for the rollout of the national broadband network (NBN).

Wollongong City will be connected with broadband from Scarborough to Windang following the announcement of further rollout of the National Broadband Network to many suburbs in the city.

The technology will have a lasting impact on the development of the city, including the Bulli area, as a part of the burgeoning digital economy.

Prime Minster Julia Gillard’s announcement for a further rollout of the NBN across the Illawarra has been welcomed by Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery.

This rollout will provide Wollongong with a crucial early advantage as the national network is rolled out across the country over a nine year period. Many suburbs in the city will see work on the broadband network begin this year and will cover 46 suburbs in the city. For information on which suburbs will be covered go to the NBN website.

“We have a major educational centre of excellence, the University of Wollongong, which has several areas such as the Faculty of Informatics, the iAccelerate program and other research bodies which will benefit enormously from the national broadband network,” Mayot Bradbery said.

“Other areas in the city such as financial services and health services will benefit from this rollout. And I hope there will be the ensuing growth in jobs for the city and the region.

“This announcement will be a great encouragement to the many young businesses which are just beginning their life in the new StartPad in Crown Street.

“This development will allow Wollongong city to begin a new lease of life on the digital super highway and hopefully we will also see an increase in employment in this area.

“In out city’s draft Community Strategic Plan we are aiming to have all our citizens connected with equitable access to information, resources and better services such as health and education. This new connected city also will help our Council improve our service offer – such as better libraries and better community services – to all communities throughout the city.”