By MICK ROBERTS.

HOMES and businesses in parts of Bulli have become the first residential areas in the northern suburbs of Wollongong to be connected to the National Broadband Network (NBN).

Federal MP for Cunningham Sharon Bird has welcomed the release of detailed maps by NBN Co, showing where suburbs are connected and construction will start.

The maps show the NBN is now available in parts of the new residential estates at McCauley’s Beach and Sandon Point, both at Bulli. Residents can now apply to be connected.

Also, the maps show that NBN fibre is now being rolled out in parts of Wollongong, including Corrimal and Bellambi, which will allow more residents access to faster, affordable and more reliable broadband.

The rollout has commenced east of the Northern Distributor, south of Rothery Road, to Cawley Street and Bellambi Lagoon, to Towradgi Park.

“This is really exciting for local families and businesses,” Sharon Bird said.

“In around 12 months’ time, people in parts of the Illawarra will be able to start connecting to the National Broadband Network.

“The release of these maps means that work is starting in the area and over the next few months, we’ll start to see NBN Co workers locally doing the detailed planning and inspection work, and then rolling out the fibre and within around 12 months, construction of the NBN in these areas will be completed.”

A standard NBN connection to the home or office is free, retail services are already available on the NBN from about $30 a month with no line rental.

Ms Bird said the NBN is about preparing Australia for the future. She said it will ensure that the communities in places like the Illawarra are not left behind as the world and economy changes. She said the NBN will change the way people live, work, and access services and lead to a new wave of innovation. The maps are available at: NBN co.