NBN coverage maps reveal 93 percent fibre footprint

The Federal Government has extended the National Broadband Network (NBN) fibre footprint from 90 to 93 percent of Australian premises, in accordance with KPMG-McKinsey recommendations.

Linked gallery: Photos: NBN coverage maps

Today, it unveiled network maps (see photo gallery right) outlining transit links, fibre and fixed wireless coverage areas.

Australian premises in the geographical majority that was located outside of those areas would be serviced via 12 Mbps satellite.

The Government had initially priced the NBN at $43 billion, including $28.5 billion for fibre that would deliver 100 Mbps broadband to 90 percent of premises.

However, consultants from KPMG and McKinsey and Company who conducted a $25 million NBN implementation study urged the Government to spend $2.3 billion more on fibre connections.

Although fibre costs more to deploy, it was likely to have a higher uptake -- and cost was not prohibitive, the study found, highlighting lower backhaul cost estimates than those initially anticipated.

Around 300,000 additional premises would receive optical fibre broadband under the new, extended plans, Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Communications Minister Stephen Conroy announced today.