NBN Co is awarding $1.1 billion in contracts to bring fibre to more premises. 

The national broadband network operator says it wants to extend fibre deeper into communities and advance the capability, reach and value of the NBN network for Australian homes and businesses.

The contracts form part of the company’s $2.9 billion investment to upgrade large parts of the Fibre to the Node (FTTN) network to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), on demand. 

Four contracts of various sizes were awarded to Downer Group, Fulton Hogan Utilities, Lendlease Services and Ventia (through its Visionstream subsidiary) following a competitive tender process.

The combined portfolio of contracts cover design and construction to support NBN Co’s network investment plan to make its highest wholesale speed plans available, on demand, to up to 75 per cent of households and businesses on the fixed line network by 2023.

NBN Co is also planning to commence similar full fibre upgrades to be made available, on demand, to eligible customers living or working in premises currently served by Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) technology.